AI-generated themes of the stories are:

1. Community Empowerment and Resilience: Strengthening communities through sustainable tourism, farming initiatives, and fostering collaboration, as seen in the Kiulu community project. ​
2. Youth Empowerment and Advocacy: Creating safe spaces, building confidence, leadership, and addressing challenges faced by youth through initiatives like Youth-PREP Centre (YPC). ​
3. Mentoring and Connection: Highlighting the importance of feeling valued and contributing to others' lives, especially for youth, to support mental and emotional well-being. ​
4. Child Protection and Education: Addressing sensitive issues like child sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy through Program SINAR, focusing on prevention, education, and support. ​
5. Personal Growth and Leadership: Narratives of overcoming self-doubt, learning empathy, and growing professionally and personally through community and youth-focused projects. ​
6. Collaboration and Shared Growth: Emphasizing teamwork, mutual learning, and the collective effort required to create meaningful change. ​

These themes reflect the importance of compassion, empowerment, and community-driven initiatives in fostering growth and resilience. ​

Stories from the Ground

1. A Journey of Growth with the Kiulu Community by Carolica Empin

This journey wasn’t just about delivering a project. It was about building relationships, fostering conversations, and learning from one another. You could feel that sense of connection in every moment, the same kind I remember from my own roots, where everyone is linked in some way.
The Capacity Building Programme provided participants with essential skills in sustainable tourism practices, equipping them to enhance their local tourism offerings while ensuring alignment with ASEAN CBT Standards. These standards emphasise sustainability, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. Yet beyond the technical training, what truly stood out was the personal growth experienced by everyone involved. The sense of ownership and newfound confidence became the most meaningful outcome of all.
In parallel with the tourism training, farming initiatives were introduced to support food security. Many participants shared how these efforts had reduced their reliance on purchasing vegetables from outside sources, as they could now harvest directly from their own plots.
As the community grew, I found myself growing too, not just professionally but personally. I learned to lead with empathy, to listen more deeply, and to appreciate the quiet moments where true transformation begins. I’ve come to understand that meaningful work is not always found in the pages of a final report, but in the relationships we build, the trust we earn, and the lives we walk alongside.
Here’s to community-led change, grounded in respect, powered by people, and driven by purpose.

2. Youth-PREP Centre: Where Dreams Come True, Young Lives Are Empowered, and Visions Evolve by Jossie Sili,rgs

If I were to reflect on my journey with Pusat Belia Youth-PREP (YPC), three phrases come to mind: Dreams come true, Empowering the young, and Evolving dreams. These words capture the essence of YPC’s mission: a place where aspirations take shape, youth find their voice, and new challenges inspire growth.
Dreams Come True: The Birth of a Safe Haven for Youth
Before YPC was established, PKGS (now GSS) launched YouthPREPLink in 2005 to address a critical issue: rural-urban migration. For many young people, moving to the city was not just a transition, it was a nightmare. Unprepared for urban life, many faced culture shock, exploitation, scams, and even substance abuse, leading to deeper social problems.
We dreamed of a youth drop-in centre, a safe space where young people could connect, access vital information, and receive guidance on education, financial aid, and emotional support. That dream materialised on 25 March 2010, thanks to Sabah Credit Corporation (SCC)’s corporate social responsibility initiative. A building in Alamesra became the first Youth-PREP Centre (YPC), starting with just one floor. Today, it has expanded to three floors, serving countless young lives.
Empowering the Young: Building Confidence, Leadership, and Hope
YPC’s greatest achievement is not just its existence, it’s the transformation it sparks in young people. In the early days, our small but passionate team of four members worked tirelessly, engaging youth from all walks of life to shape YPC’s programmes. We listened to their struggles and ideas, turning their input into action.
Youth Leading Youth
We trained young volunteers to “animate” their peers using creative methods like:
● ‘Voice Out’ events – Giving youth a platform to share their thoughts.
● Sketch performances – Using drama to highlight social issues.
● Youth forums – Open discussions on challenges they face.
● Outreach programmes – Bringing awareness campaigns to rural areas.
Awareness and Advocacy
YPC became a hub for social activism, organising campaigns such as:
● One Billion Rising (against gender-based violence)
● Earth Hour (promoting environmental consciousness)
● International Youth Day (celebrating young changemakers)
● 16 Days of Activism (fighting violence against women and girls)
● “My Constitution” workshops (educating youth on their rights)
Breaking Barriers: The Power of Confidence
One of my most memorable moments was watching shy, hesitant youth conquer their fear of speaking English. Many initially avoided it, afraid of mistakes, judgment, or misunderstanding. But through patient mentorship, interactive lessons, and encouragement, they not only gained confidence they went on to organise English storytelling sessions for children in rural Sabah villages.
Empowerment, to me, is seeing a young person stand tall, proud of their growth, knowing they have overcome obstacles with courage.
Evolving Dreams: Adapting to New Challenges
Youth needs are ever-changing, and YPC continues to grow with them. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it exposed deeper crises which are urban poverty, mental health struggles, and emotional distress among students and families. YPC responded by expanding its mission beyond migration support to include:
● Mental health initiatives – Launching KawanBAH Careline (16 July 2020), a helpline for youth in need of emotional support.
● Food security – Establishing a food bank for struggling students.
● Safe spaces – Providing a cozy, welcoming environment for youth far from home.
Today, YPC stands as Kota Kinabalu’s only youth drop-in centre offering these vital services. But our vision doesn’t stop here. As youth needs evolve, so do we committed to empowering lives, restoring rights, and upholding the dignity of future generations.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Hope
From a small dream in 2005 to a thriving youth hub today, YPC’s journey proves that when we invest in young people, society grows stronger. Dreams do come true. Young people can and do change the world. And the work never stops, because every generation deserves a brighter future.
YPC is more than a centre. It’s a movement, a family, and a beacon of hope for Sabah’s youth. And as long as there are young people with dreams, YPC will be there—guiding, supporting, and evolving with them.

3. What Matters to YOUth
By Christi Danielle Leong

Mattering was one of the many psychological concepts that stood out to me during my studies. After joining Good Shepherd Services (GSS) and working with youth at the Youth-PREP Centre (YPC), I came to realise just how relevant and applicable it is in understanding young people's need to feel seen, heard, and valued. Though I have not been with GSS for long, the time I’ve spent here has already shown me the profound impact that the experience of mattering can have in a young person’s life.
The concept of mattering involves two essential elements: feeling valued and adding value to others’ lives (Prilleltensky, 2014, 2019). As Walton and Wilson (2018) put it, “People want to feel connected to others: to be accepted and included, to be valued members of social groups, and to contribute positively to the lives of others.” This desire for connection and contribution is something I see often. Whether it is during small group discussions, volunteering activities, or even casual conversations, young people light up when they feel their presence makes a difference. For some, it is being invited to share an idea. For others, it is knowing their voice has helped shape a project or decision. These moments reflect the deep human need to matter.
In today’s world, that need is often expressed through digital culture. Young adults are drawn to influential social media personalities and purchase trending items to belong, to be seen, and to feel part of a wider or niche community. As social beings, we naturally look to connect with others. For youth aged 18 to 25, this becomes significantly important as they explore their identities and seek a sense of belonging.
Working with youth has shown me that mattering isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, it means feeling heard in a conversation. For others, it’s having a role in something bigger than themselves. When paired with fairness and opportunity, the concept of mattering plays a key role in our well-being. According to the Mattering, Wellness, and Fairness (MWF) model (Prilleltensky et al., 2023), when people experience fairness across personal, social, and community levels, it creates a space for them to feel that they matter, which in turn supports their mental and emotional well-being.
In relationships, mattering can look different depending on the context. It might be the attention you receive from a friend, or the love and support from a parent. One college student once shared with me how someone dear to him helped him through one of his lowest points in life, inspiring him to move forward with resilience. These moments remind me just how powerful it is to know that you matter to someone.
More than just a psychosocial concept, mattering can also act as a protective factor for mental health. Research shows that higher levels of mattering are linked to lower depression, reduced suicidal ideation, and higher self-esteem (Prihadi et al., 2020). Whether working with children, youth or adults, and especially those navigating difficult life circumstances, I have seen how simply helping someone feel that they matter can open a door to healing and growth.
In reflecting on all of this, I have come to understand that mattering is not just a theory I learned in class but a daily practice. It is in how we greet the youth who walk into our centre. It is in the way we create space for their voices. And most of all, it is in reminding them that they are important, valuable and have the potential to be someone they can be proud of. With this in mind, I hope that through my work at the Youth-PREP Centre, I can continue to add value to the lives of each student I encounter, one person at a time.

4. My Journey with Program SINAR: Bringing Light Where It’s Needed Most by Hellvydea Baidil

When I first proposed to lead Program SINAR in January 2025, I did not expect how profoundly it would shape my perspective and strengthen my purpose. The project began in January 2025, and I had the privilege of leading it and working alongside a dedicated team and partners who shared the same vision of building safer and more supportive communities for children and youth.
Program SINAR, short for Sokongan Inklusif Autisme, Remaja dan Komuniti Rentan, truly lives up to its name, meaning light. This nine-month collaboration between Good Shepherd Services (GSS) and Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), supported under Belanjawan 2025 Malaysia Madani, shines a light on a growing concern in Sabah: teenage pregnancy. This project aims to address this issue through prevention, education, support, and empowerment.
Through this journey, I had the opportunity to work closely with other programmes and services under Good Shepherd Services, including Pusat Jagaan Seri Murni. Here, I met young girls who arrived filled with fear, uncertainty, and confusion about their future. Within these walls, they found safety, counselling, and care, and slowly began to rebuild their dignity and strength. Witnessing this transformation reminded me how compassion can be a powerful light in the midst of darkness.
Beyond that, I was also given the opportunity to conduct sessions with parents and children in schools across Tuaran and Keningau. The circle of impact widened as parents were equipped with knowledge to prevent child sexual abuse, and students were empowered with knowledge of their rights, choices, and personal safety. Through programmes such as Child Sexual Abuse Awareness, Keeping Me Safe, and Children Enrichment Programme, I was able to connect deeply with children, listening to their stories, learning from their experiences, and collaborating closely with schools and parents to create safer environments. Each session was emotionally and physically draining, and I often ended the day with low energy but a heart full of hope and light. Seeing the children’s engagement and their growing awareness reminded me why this work matters.
Before this,

I found it difficult to address issues like child abuse or teenage pregnancy because of the stigma that often surrounds them. Many people still struggle to speak openly about these topics. When I was first given the responsibility to lead Program SINAR, I was not fully ready. There were many thoughts running through my mind. I had never been formally trained to conduct sessions like these. I had never facilitated a session with parents before, and I often wondered, “How will they believe in me? I don’t even have children of my own.”
Despite the uncertainty, I chose to step forward, trusting that with guidance and teamwork, I would learn along the way. Each session became a space of learning — not just for the participants, but for me as well. And this year, one deeply striking moment, which I believe was God’s way of opening my eyes, reminded me of the importance of safeguarding children. My team and I supported a case involving a child who had experienced sexual abuse and neglect within the child’s own family. Accompanying the child through the process and in our efforts to report the case, while ensuring continued support for the child to remain in school, was emotionally challenging. Yet, the experience strengthened our conviction in the importance of continued advocacy and safeguarding. It reminded us why projects like Program SINAR must exist, to be a voice for the voiceless and to ensure that no child endures such pain in silence.
Throughout this project, we also carry with us an African proverb that continues to guide our work with parents and communities: It takes a whole village to raise a child. It also takes compassion and courage to keep the light shining bright.
Through this journey, I have witnessed how light spreads through one story, one child, and one act of care at a time.

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