KUCHING: The Academy of Human Development serves as a crucial platform for the needy to acquire skills with a view to break free from the cycle of poverty.
Al Bait Leadership Foundation (YKAB) manager Abdul Hafiz Zainalabidin, said the academy which focuses on short-term basic skills training, is an initiative of the Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS) in collaboration with YKAB and the Al Bait Sarawak Cooperative (KOOPBAIT).
“The focus is to improve their quality of life so they can progress and escape from the clutches of poverty,” he said.
He made these remarks at the closing of the two-day academy programme on Tuesday by Sri Aman Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman.
The Basic Cake and Pastry Level One Skills Course was attended by 81 participants from Sri Aman, Betong, and Pusa.
“Out of these, 41 are recipients of TBS aid.
“What’s interesting is that since its introduction in 2018 in various parts of Sarawak such as Kuching, Sibu, and Miri, the academy has produced approximately 10,000 alumni through about 300 courses,” he said.
Abdul Hafiz also mentioned that YKAB is implementing the Al Bait Clothing Donation Project for those in need of used clothing, especially in the Sri Aman area.
“These clothes were donated by approximately 400 people from Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, and Sibu during the past Ramadan.
To date, approximately 600 sets of clothing have been distributed to about 150 recipients in Sri Aman.
The head of the TBS Sri Aman Division, Shamsul Bahri Manap, and the head of the TBS Betong Division, Zulhazmi Bohari, were also in attendance.