Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is now advancing beyond charitable donations of funds to communities.  We recognise that we now need to move one step closer towards involvement, in our efforts to contribute and make positive impact to the wider community.  To mark our footprint in beginning our greater CSR journey, we have selected a cause closely in line with our business – training.   The training we are referring to, whilst not within the realm of oil and gas, nevertheless refers to the acquisition of skills and knowledge. 

In 2010, we had the opportunity to work with Educational Welfare and Research Foundation (EWRF) and their beneficiaries during a ‘Total Empowerment Camp’ organised by the foundation.  It was held during the year-end school holidays, targeting young beneficiaries mainly from underprivileged backgrounds and living in economically disadvantaged circumstances. 

It has been widely researched that children who live in families with poor financial resources face socio-emotional issues, on top of the chronic illnesses and myriad of additional disadvantages not faced by privileged children. Resilience is the key for such children to be successful in life, and the necessary tools would be support and a strong sense of self.  To protect poor children from adverse and stressful life situations, community, if not family support, become vital in the children’s development and upbringing.  Protective factors, as simple as showing genuine care and interest in the children, translate into strengths for the children to develop positive self-concepts. 

An art therapy segment was introduced during the camp, in close alignment to EWRF’s objectives for the pre-adolescent underachievers.  Our objectives for the art therapy segment was to help the beneficiaries develop positive strengths through creative experiential activities.  The programme served as a platform for the children to explore personal strengths, develop confidence and positive mindsets towards gaining future success in their undertakings.

Our consultant for this project, Emylia Safian, designed and conducted the art therapy segment, which took place over four days at two different camp locations in Kuala Lumpur.  Prior to the camp, co-facilitators were introduced to basic art therapy applications and experienced art processes to highlight psychological sensitivities when using art therapeutically.

Group art therapy does great to boost self-esteem and confidence levels.  Using art images and play allowed the children to express their feelings safely.   Working within the support of a group enabled the children to feel less isolated while at the same time to feel accepted.  The themes selected for the art therapy segment focused on humanistic approaches, which were closely tailored to be culturally relevant to the young participants.
 
We hope that the art therapy sessions equipped the children with some skills and knowledge to recognise and tap on their inner strength to overcome prevalent challenges.  All the best to them in their journey into secondary school!

Feedback received:

"The art therapy was a good way to instil closer interaction with students.  The kids found that they were able to trust one another and release internalised reactions and feelings."
Mr K. Nadarajah, EWRF General Secretary & Co-facilitator at SJK (T) Ampang

"The children were happy and enjoyed the sessions.  I am interested to see art therapy sessions held over a longer period to see more benefits in the children."
Mr Prakash Chellamuthu, EWRF Committee Member & Co-facilitator at SJK (T) San Peng

"The art-therapy has left such a great effect towards us, who are coordinating the 21-day camp. We have been exposed to a whole new perspective of making the 21-days more successful in reaching its’ objectives."
Ms Asha Devi, EWRF Project Director