@KitaConnect Champions
Meet the young leaders behind KitaConnect!
@KitaConnect Champions are young people who lead, moderate, and facilitate @KitaConnect sessions online, including on the @KitaConnect Discord server. They are an integral part of the program, engaging with and encouraging their peers to step outside their comfort zones, tackle issues head on, have fun all the while!
Scroll on to meet our Champions, and find out what they have to say about Youth Empowerment in Malaysia and why they chose to join @KitaConnect!
Felicia, 16
What is your view on youth empowerment in Malaysia?
Be the change that you wish to see in the world– youth empowerment isn’t just a slogan, but an opportunity to have our voices heard. Youth empowerment isn’t a paradox, it isn’t an empty promise. It’s about the active involvement of youths in the decision-making process, helping make a better future for our dear nation. We cannot always build the future for our youths, but we can build our youth for the future.
Why did you want to become a @KitaConnect Champion?
Being a @KitaConnect Champion is meaningful to me since champions aren’t just ‘winners’ – anyone that can overcome societal judgment and speak out for their communities deserves to become a Champion. Being a Champion has pushed me out of my comfort zone, accelerated my personal growth and helped me believe in myself. Getting to work with incredible teammates while contributing to the empowerment of the youth community has been an excellent experience.
Sze Jing, 17
What is your view on youth empowerment in Malaysia?
Youth empowerment is not negotiable if a country wants sustainable development. In Malaysia, there are many NGOs that work towards empowering youths – a good sign for the country. Taking inspiration from our neighbours in Singapore, with initiatives like youth 4G teams, I hope to see the government do more to promote youth empowerment and sustainability. Can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Why did you want to become a @KitaConnect Champion?
@KitaConnect brings together young people of different backgrounds, encouraging them to speak out and discuss their opinions, whilst meeting role models and learning from them and each other. As a Champion, I get to facilitate these avenues of youth empowerment, and contribute to this great mission!
Caelystar, 17
What is your view on youth empowerment in Malaysia?
Its dissapointing to see that the youth in Malaysia feel unable to take charge of their lives and actively pave their own path. The lack of empowerment is detrimental to both individual development as well as to collective efforts in tackling social issues involving the youth.
Why did you want to become a @KitaConnect Champion?
The youth are generally not exposed to the resources and opportunities needed to give them a sense of empowerment over their lives. I believe @KitaConnect has the platform and power to inspire young people of all backgrounds to believe that THEY can make a difference in the world.
Victor, 17
What is your view on youth empowerment in Malaysia?
We have a strong and vibrant youth empowerment scene and it’s amazing! The world is changing, and the youth has to be ready. Youth empowerment advances youth rights and transforms the youth into a future powerhouse. All of which are building blocks to building a better tomorrow.
Why did you want to become a @KitaConnect Champion?
Honestly, to have some fun hehe. I'm stuck at home doing the same thing over and over again every day. I may not be used to it but it’s a nice, needed change of pace.
Adam, 17
What is your view on youth empowerment in Malaysia?
Youths aren’t the leaders of tomorrow – we’re the leaders of today. We’re resilient and committed to building a better Malaysia, contributing fresh and vibrant ideas toward all our social and economic wellbeing. Only with an inclusive society, one where all generations are empowered and youths have the right platforms to voice concerns and influence public policy, can Malaysia truly prosper.
Why did you want to become a @KitaConnect Champion?
@KitaConnect allows me to connect with, share the skills I’ve gained, and inspire other youths out there! I believe the platform can help young people build their confidence up, and as someone who used to be not so confident, I would like to set an example of how far one can really go. As a youth-to-youth space, the programme will definitely be an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone.
Arianna, 17
What is your view on youth empowerment in Malaysia?
Youth are the future of society. With proper action to empower our youth, we can elevate our quality of life, create a stronger community, and build a strong foundation for a better future. Young people deserve to grow – give them a chance and they can attain much growth and development.
Why did you want to become a @KitaConnect Champion?
The voices of youth are often undermined and disregarded. @KitaConnect provides them a platform to actively make a change in the world. Becoming a @KitaConnect Champion was an honour: I desire to help evolve the mindset and capabilities of today's youth.
Merrylove, 19
What is your view on youth empowerment in Malaysia?
Though slowly improving, I personally feel that our Malaysian youths are still under-empowered and that many of us are either unaware or not provided with proper platforms to elevate youth issues. I believe in the potential of Malaysian youths and that all the issues we have to talk about are valid and important. We might not be fully empowered yet, but I have a bright outlook on our progress and hope to see more improvement soon.
Why did you want to become a @KitaConnect Champion?
As a KitaConnect Champion, I get to act as the ‘bridge’ between the youth community and the many opportunities out there for safe, open discussion and learning, giving young people the chance to answers to their questions and have heart-to-heart discussions. As a Champion, I get to help others feel more connected to their community and themselves.
Mary, 19
What is your view on youth empowerment in Malaysia?
Youth empowerment in Malaysia is crucial in order to build a strong nation. The youth are important decision makers that will bring social changes to the community and to the country. The more aspiring young leaders we have, the better the future of Malaysia.
Why did you want to become a @KitaConnect Champion?
I want to inspire other youth like me. As long as you are willing to learn and passionate to fight for any cause that you resonate with, you are never too young to make a difference in your community.
Marscella, 16
What is your view on youth empowerment in Malaysia?
Though Malaysia has some way go to catch up with Europe and other parts of Asia, young people’s voices still need to be heard. Malaysians are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of investing in younger generations, with many programmes, workshops, and platforms tailor-made to the local culture. Though youth empowerment is no easy process, the outcomes are impactful and rewarding.
Why did you want to become a @KitaConnect Champion?
It is all started as my will to discover and learn something new. Project ID has made it possible for me to help out in @KitaConnect. The inclusiveness, safe space and vision of the organizers and the objectives of @KitaConnect would be able to fulfil more of everyone's needs and better empower them. As I empower others, I empower myself as well, and I learn a lot of new things about inclusiveness through preparing for @KitaConnect sessions.
Alia, 17
What is your view on youth empowerment in Malaysia?
I believe that youth empowerment is the key to a better Malaysia. Seeing how our society has been impacted since the pandemic, our generation cannot afford to lose our voices. Being empowered allows us to take charge of our own life and make a change in someone else's. It's the first step towards fighting the thousands of issues happening in our country.
Why did you want to become a @KitaConnect Champion?
I wanted to become a @KitaConnect Champion to engage with youths all over Malaysia. Having the chance to moderate and run sessions together with other champions is a remarkable experience. Not only do I get to connect with other youth changemakers, I also get to debate and discuss on different perspectives with all the participants. It can be overwhelming at times but once you get used to it, you can't get enough of it!
The Champion Journey
Champions receive continuous support throughout their time with KitaConnect. Here’s what their journey looks like!
Interested in being a KitaConnect Champion too? E-mail kitaconnect2020@gmail.com to sign up and learn more! You can also head over to our Discord server to see them in action, as well as to join the wider @KitaConnect community!