KUCHING: The RYTHM Programme is expanding the role of higher education students in welfare services, with 6,500 senior citizens and persons with disabilities (OKU) nationwide targeted to benefit from the initiative backed by a RM5-million allocation.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said the programme provided an avenue for youths and students from various fields to apply their expertise directly in supporting the well-being of the OKU community.
She said the initiative also gave students valuable exposure to real-world welfare services while fostering empathy, teamwork and volunteerism.
“The continuation of the RYTHM Programme clearly reflects the ongoing commitment of the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), together with the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), to expand opportunities for higher education students to become directly involved in welfare and volunteer activities, particularly in supporting the development of the potential and well-being of persons with disabilities,” she added.
She said this during the opening ceremony of the RHYTHM programme (Phase 2) at i-CATS University College here today.
The RYTHM Programme Phase 2 was successfully implemented in Miri on September 12, and is now being continued in Kuching, with subsequent programmes planned for Bintulu and Sibu.
Nancy said the programme brought together youths and higher education students from various fields, including medicine, nursing, therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy, to contribute their expertise to welfare institutions and Community-Based Rehabilitation (PDK) centres.
The RM5-million allocation covers 133 Healthy Senior Citizens Programmes worth RM1.995 million, 133 OKU Therapy Programmes worth RM1.995 million, as well as six series of Senior Citizen Care and OKU Therapy seminars in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak worth RM1.01 million.
In Sarawak, RM180,000 has been allocated for 12 Healthy Senior Citizens programmes, while RM150,000 is allocated for 10 OKU Therapy programmes.
A further RM92,500 is allocated for training programmes, including seminars on senior citizen care and OKU therapy.
Nancy said RYTHM Phase 2, which costs RM75,000, is being implemented across Kuching, Sibu, Miri and Bintulu.
In Kuching, the two-day programme provides students with exposure to issues affecting the OKU community before they participate in activities with PPDK trainees.
The first day focuses on understanding the OKU community, including approaches to engagement, rights, needs and available services, through sharing sessions conducted by JKM Sarawak officers.
The second day features activities including ice-breaking, circuit training, treasure hunts and art therapy through a drum circle, allowing students to put their knowledge into practice through direct interaction.
“The approach provides space for students to apply the knowledge they have gained through real experiences, while nurturing empathy, cooperation and volunteerism,” Nancy said.
She added that the activities could also help enhance physical and mental well-being, build self-confidence and strengthen the sense of togetherness between the wider community and the OKU.
The programme demonstrated how therapy and direct interaction could help strengthen community relationships and contribute towards a more harmonious and inclusive society.
