JOHOR BAHRU: Realising that young people are key drivers in humanitarian action and development, the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Johor Bahru district is now conducting their ‘Visits to Schools’ program in Johor Bahru and Pasir Gudang.

To date, the MRCS Johor Bahru has visited Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar (EC), SMK I.J. Convent, SMK Taman Rinting 2 and SMK Permas Jaya.

MRCS Johor Bahru chairman Chong Ah Ng said it is to ensure that cadet/youth MRCS members at the schools are well-trained and ready for any humanitarian action.

Chong said young people especially those who are MRCS members are key drivers in humanitarian action and development.

“I want these cadet youths to be ever ready to serve the affected communities, prevent and alleviate human suffering, promote and protect human dignity and peace,” he said.

He stressed that youths are a heterogeneous group with diverse backgrounds, expertise, skillsets and needs which requires appropriate human development approaches for meaningful engagement.

“Their specific abilities and unique qualities shape their leadership to inspire and influence positive change in the world around them,” he said.

He said the MRCS creates empowering and stimulating environments that enable participation of youth in decision-making and the action that follows the decision.

Chong and his MRCS entourage witnessed the MRCS cadet members take the MRCS oath, inspect guard of honours, foot drill and skills demonstration.

MRCS officials also observed various first aid drills, such as relay bandaging, traditional first aid and community first aid.

Chong noted that he was pleased that these young cadet members had performed the drills with much passion and enthusiasm.

He also encouraged the team members to continue as MRCS member by joining the Volunteer Aid Detachment Open Youth/Adult group after their graduation.

The objective of this programme, according to Chong is to check on networking and evaluate the training and activities organized at the school level.

“We want to ensure that these cadet members are well equipped and understand the seven fundamental principles of Red Crescent,” he said.

He also stressed that once all cadet members are trained well, they could render help to fellow students if they get injured during school games, activities or projects..

Chong and his MRCS team also coached the cadets on first aid and first aid in community skills.

They also held discussions with the cadets on how to increase membership in schools.

The cadets were advised to be disciplined at all times, especially while wearing their MRCS cadet uniform and not to tarnish the image of the MRCS.

Chong in his address also encouraged them to continue to be active after completing their studies.

He said from next year onwards MRCS Johor Bahru branch will provide study aid for students who have done well in the society and their academic studies.

The MRCS spent some four to five hours in each school and told the students that they plan to conduct centralized training to further improve the cadets’ foot drill and first aid skills.

The MRCS also plans to hold a youth camp so that the lower secondary students can get a glimpse of MRCS activities and provide them with the basic knowledge on the Society.

“We want to develop their leadership skills and see their potential so that they can then carry out programmes of their own in schools,” he added.

The MRCS vision is to be a leading and distinctive humanitarian organization that brings people and institutions together for the vulnerable and thus prevent and reduce suffering wherever it may be.