PUTRAJAYA: She had a stable, lucrative career as a banker. However, A. Gayathri still felt that there was something missing in her life.
That was enough reason for the 29-year-old to forgo her seven years in the finance industry and become a participant with the International Youth Volunteer (MyCorps) programme last year.
The decision, she said, was borne of her desire to give something back to the community.
“I knew the risks that I had to take, but I have no regrets, as I was looking for fulfillment in my life. I have always wanted to join a community-service programme to help the underprivileged," she said.
Her decision did not go down well with her parents.
“My parents opposed my decision to join the humanitarian programme. They even prayed that I would not get into MyCorps. They were worried that I could not make a living," she quipped.
"But when I found out about MyCorps, I immediately signed up as a volunteer and I couldn't wait to participate. MyCorps is the best platform to instil the right values in youths and create a positive impact on the lives of others,” she told the NST when met at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport upon her arrival from Cambodia today.
Gayathri was one of 50 MyCorps volunteers who took part in a three-month humanitarian tour in Cambodia.
The volunteers went to schools and villages in rural areas to do cleanup work and to build sanitation facilities for the locals.
The also built water catchments, playgrounds and nurseries.
Youth and Sports Ministry secretary (International Division) Effendy Razali said the programme, held for the second time, enables youths to step out of their comfort zone.
“MyCorps is built on the concept of the Peace Corps of the United States, in which volunteers engage with communities facing hardship, and provide help in the form of education, basic infrastructure and aid.
“The volunteers had to face many challenges during the project, including hot weather, communication barrier and being away with their families during Ramadan and Hari Raya.
“Despite the challenges, they enjoyed celebrating Ramadan and Hari Raya with the Cambodian community. Not only did they help build basic facilities, they also built a good relationship with the Cambodians.”
Effendy said the third series of the programme is expected to be held in October in Cambodia.
He said plans were underway to expand the programme to other Asean countries.
MyCorps is an initiative of the ministry, spearheaded by Extraordinary People Impacting Community, a body that provides a platform focusing on human capital development through experience.
The programme is targeted at those aged between 18 and 30.
Those who are interested to join MyCorps can register at www.mycorps.my.