MYTC empowers Youth from disadvantaged backgrounds
14 January 2025
By AVV
PENAMPANG: The Montfort Youth Training Centre (MYTC) in Kinarut primarily serves as a vocational training facility aimed at empowering youth, particularly those from marginalised or disadvantaged backgrounds.
According to Sabrina Wu the Assistant Director of Human Resource and Training, the MYTC provides various vocational courses and skills training programmes that are tailored to enhance the employability of young people. They are equipped with practical skills in fields such as automative, welding, oil palm plantation, facilities maintenance and carpentry.
Besides these skills they also accord the 92 youth presently with them a foundation on English and Arithmetic as well as basic computers. In this day and age such knowledge is essential to ensure that they can navigate the requirements in their daily life.
The centre focuses on the overall development of youths, not just academically or vocationally. It emphasises character building, leadership skills, and personal development to help youths become well-rounded individuals.
MYTC assists graduates in finding employment opportunities through job placement services and career counselling. They often collaborate with local industries and employers to facilitate job placements for their trainees.
MYTC particularly focuses on helping youth from low-income families or difficult circumstances, providing them with financial aid and scholarships to ensure they have access to quality training. They are only required to pay a one-off registration fee. At times some families might contribute but its all according to affordability.
Currently, they operate two hostels as part of their comprehensive Rural Development Programme—one situated in Sandakan and the other in Kiulu.
To ensure that the accommodation is utilised by those who genuinely need support, students wishing to stay in these hostels must undergo a thorough assessment process. This evaluation helps determine the suitability of applicants based on various criteria, including their personal circumstances.
It is essential for students to be accompanied by their guardians or parents during the assessment process. This requirement serves multiple purposes: it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the family's financial situation, helps to verify income sources, and provides insights into the family background.
According to Sabrina, in both their hostels there are 81 students from Form one to Form Five.
The MYTC has the capacity to accommodate up to 180 individuals; however, there are currently only 92 residents. To operate effectively, the establishment requires RM250,000 per month, and RM4 million annually to meet its ideal operational standards.
Montfort Youth Training Centre plays a crucial role in uplifting the youth in Sabah, enhancing their future prospects and contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.
However, they won’t stop there, as Sabrina once said, “In envisioning the future, the institution renews its unwavering commitment to innovation, education and community service. Rooted in the steadfast principles that have steered our course thus far - fostering excellence, promoting inclusivity and nurturing a fervour for lifelong service and learning - Montfort now sets its sights on a next transformative endeavour.”
“With fervent determination, we aspire to revive the Girls’ Programme, a vital initiative
that once thrived within our walls. Furthermore, our vision extends to the establishment of a dedicated campus crafted to provide unparalleled skill training and character formation specifically tailored for our female youth. This ambitious venture not only echoes our commitment to educational excellence but also underscores our intent to broaden the institution’s impact and outreach.”
“As we embark on this visionary chapter, Montfort earnestly seeks the support and collaboration of our cherished community. Your involvement, whether through advocacy, mentorship or financial contributions, holds the key to realising these dreams.”
She also thanked Datuk Ewon Benedick the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative (MEDC) who accorded a contribution to Monfort during the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Christmas Open House and New Year Celebration at Marcellus Tambud’s Resident in Kg Punson Kinarut recently.
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