Wednesday, 15 December 2010

Photo and Films on Children's Rights at The Annexe Gallery

If you want to learn more about children rights, or if you are on holiday with not much planned, do head to Central Market Annexe in Kuala Lumpur for some films.


YOUTH LENS: Photo & films on children’s rights


Date: 14.12.2010 - 19.12.2010
Time: 11.00 AM - 08.00 PM
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YOUTH LENS: Photos & Films on Children’s Rights

Photography Exhibition & Film Screenings
Tue 14 to Sun 19 Dec
Photo Exhibition: 11am to 8pm
Film Screenings: 8pm (Mon to Fri), 3pm (Sat & Sun)

Presented by Voice of the Children
Admission free

“Youth Lens” represents a collection of photos taken by the children of Chow Kit. Led by Dina Zaman, Sheng Saw, Zulfirdous Abu Hassan and Adriana Nordin Manan, these children were each given a disposal camera, taught the rudiments of working a camera and just told to have fun. And have fun they did. The exhibition is exciting, funny, sweet, sad and a little naughty. The images carry a certain insouciance with the backdrop of Chow Kit reflected back into the children's lenses.

This exhibition (like “Everyone Has Hope: Photos by Burmese refugee children” held here last month) is inspired by the documentary "Born into Brothels" by Ross Kauffman and Zana Briski. Described as a tribute to the resiliency of childhood and the restorative power of art, "Born into Brothels" is a portrait of several unforgettable children who live in the red light district of Calcutta, where their mothers are sex workers. Given a camera each, the children were taught to look at the world with new eyes.

You are invited to the
EXHIBITION OPENING
Tue 14 Dec, 7.30pm

Screening of “Back to the Streets” & “Stolen Futures” by Malaysian filmmaker Mahi, followed by discussion
Refreshments are served

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WHERE THE STREETS HAVE NO NAME
Films about street children
Tue 14 to Sun 19 Dec
Admission free

A mini film festival on the theme of children will be held in conjunction with the exhibition. These films of social realism provide a brutally honest look at the lives of kids on the streets of the world. Powerful, raw and often despairing, these films have awakened societies to the harsh realities of the forgotten children on the streets, as well as the inadequacy of the institutions designed to help them. All these are films more people need to see. We also hope the films may inspire local filmmakers, artists and writers as well as the public to document and listen to similar stories in Malaysia and join in the struggle to protect children’s rights.

Tue 14 Dec, 8pm
“BACK TO THE STREETS” & “STOLEN FUTURES”

Dir: Mahi Ramakrishnan | Malaysia | 2009 & 2010
In "Back to the Streets" Mahi follows the story of angry teenagers who find themselves on the street living in a rubbish chute. Honest, frank and at times alarming, it is a mirror to how we have let our children down. "Stolen Futures" looks unsentimentally at issues around baby selling – the reasons why babies are bought and sold.

Wed 15 Dec, 8pm
SALAAM BOMBAY!

Dir: Mira Nair | India | 1988
salaam_bombay_2
Abandoned by the circus for which he was working, 10-year-old Krishna made his way to Bombay to earn some money – he wants to save up before returning home to his mother. While selling tea in the red-light district, he befriends a drug addict, falls in love with the new girl at the brothel and earns the wrath of the pimp and pusher. Filmed with actual children from the streets of Bombay, this film-festival favourite reveals the innate dignity, resilience and hopes of all children.

Thu 16 Dec, 8pm
PIXOTE: SURVIVAL OF THE WEAKEST

Dir: Hector Babenco | Brazil | 1981
pixote2
On the streets of Sao Paulo, a 10-year-old runaway boy named Pixote is arrested during a police round-up homeless people. Pixote endures torture, degradation and corruption at a local youth detention center. When he eventually escapes with three other boys, they survive by the only means available to them: robbing, pushing drugs and pimping. Rejected by the Academy Awards but hailed by critics, the film is described by Roger Ebert as “a rough, unblinking look at lives no human being should be required to lead.” [Audience advisory: Contains mature themes and scenes]

Fri 17 Dec, 8pm
LOS OLVIDADOS (THE YOUNG & THE DAMNED)

Dir: Luis Bunuel | Mexico | 1950
los_olvidados2b
When El Jaibo is released from juvenile detention, he reunites with his old gang to terrorise the slums of Mexico City – taking revenge on those who betrayed him, bullying the weak and robbing the crippled. When young Pedro is framed for Jaibo’s crime, he is given a chance to rehabilitate. Will he break the cycle of poverty and violence? Regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, even winning the exiled filmmaker the Best Director award at Cannes in 1951, Los Olvidados was initially reviled as too damning a portrait of Mexico.

Sat 18 Dec, 3pm
GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES

Dir: Isao Takahata | Japan | 1988
graveofthefireflies-light
A brother and a sister have to fend for themselves in Japan during WWII after their mother died and their aunty becomes mean to them. To distract from their constant hunger, they entertain themselves with fireflies in a jar. Based on the autobiographical novel of the same name, this Studio Ghibli-produced anime is perhaps one of the most haunting and devastating anti-war films you will ever see. "Takahata's alternately sweeping and intimate animated feature," according to Movie Guide, "is a moving depiction of the fates of cast-off children who become casualties of war."

Sun 19 Dec, 3pm
BORN INTO BROTHELS: CALCUTTA'S RED LIGHTS KIDS

Dir: Ross Kauffman and Zana Briski | India | 2003
brothels
Described as a tribute to the resiliency of childhood and the restorative power of art, "Born into Brothels" is a portrait of several unforgettable children who live in the red light district of Calcutta, where their mothers are sex workers. Given a camera each, the children were taught to look at the world with new eyes and empowered to document it for themselves. In this Oscar winner for Best Documentary Feature, “these children give us vibrant pictures of hope in the midst of oppression.”
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The Annexe Gallery is supported by Central Market.

For enquiries, please call:

Pang Khee Teik (Arts Programme Director): 012 305 1135
Jerome Kugan (Media Manager): 016 802 7347
Lim Chung Wei (Arts Manager): 012 207 5140

The Annexe Gallery
1st & 2nd Floor, Central Market Annexe
Jalan Hang Kasturi
Kuala Lumpur
Tel +603-2070 1137
www.annexegallery.com

Sunday, 28 November 2010

A record of LEAD - St Anthony's School, Teluk Intan

LEAD camps were held during the second half of this year to encourage and build leadership skills and teamwork amongst Lasallians chosen to attend the camps. Thanks to Stephen Liew who collected the sharings of others, we all get to share a tiny part of SASTI's LEAD experience.


From the point of view of an organising team member, Sit Teng:

All throughout the three days that I was there, I was totally amazed and inspired by how the organising team fulfilled their tasks. It was overwhelming to see how dedicated they were and how they selflessly gave more of themselves to guide other organising team members and participants without any complaints.

The warmth and acceptance among the participants was really heart-warming as they mingled around regardless of their skin colours. And they could definitely put a smile on your face despite how tired you were.

The most incredible experience during the LEAD programme was definitely the hiking activity. It was the first time I went hiking and what made it better was that I was doing it together with new friends.

Many things happened during hiking that was worth remembering. It surprised me how challenging it was to climb a hill and how everyone worked together to reach the top. The participants learned to lend a helping hand to those who needed it.

LEAD was an unforgettable learning process where you can learn and play at the same time. It was a great experience to be part of the LEAD programme.

~HST~


From the point of view of a participant:

Saya naik bas untuk pergi ke Ulu Kenas pada hari yang pertama. Dalam perjalanan, saya nampak banyak benda yang menarik. Perjalanan itu amat menyeronokkan bagi saya dan kawan-kawan saya. Setelah sampai di Ulu Kenas, kami menurunkan kayu "bamboo". Selepas itu kami main permainan dan dipecahkan kepada beberapa kumpulan.

Nama kumpulan saya ialah "Forest Monkeys". Nama kumpulan lain termasuk "Mix-FM", "Waka-Waka", dan "Cap Ayam". Selepas itu kami pergi ke kem yang disediakan dan letakkan barangan kami di sana.

Selepas itu kami semua mandi bergilir-gilir, makan malam, dan pergi ke dewan. Kami mendapat banyak ilmu di sana.


Harvey: 'Don't worry, you'll soon grow to be as tall as I am'.


William: 'It's ok to be vertically-challenged. You must make up for it by being larger than life!'


Joanne compliments the participants on the clean, tiled floor?


How to build a raft: 1. Talk about it.


2. Somehow the strings get tied and we PUSH!


3. Pose for pictures and look cool!


4. Test out the rafts.


5. Have fun!


Writing thank you cards.


William congratulates the boys while Isaac...er...


Group picture!

Wednesday, 27 October 2010

Inter-Civilizational Youth Engagement Program 2010

Here's a notice about an upcoming programme that might be of interest to you, forwarded to us by Vinesh.

The closing date is over, but they might still be accepting applicants if there's available space. Do give it a try! If you're interested and would like an application form, do drop a comment here.


1. Youth leadership program limited space - complementary.
2. A chance for you to have an international experience.


18 October 2010

Dear Friends!

The International Movement For A Just World (JUST) is organizing an Inter-Civilizational Youth Engagement Program 2010 (JUST IYEP4). From 26 - 30 November 2010 at Melaka Malaysia. This year theme is YOUTH: TOWARDS A GLOBAL CULTURE?

The Program will bring together some 50 youths between the ages of 21 and 25 of different nationalities and religions to reflect upon inter-civilizational relations in today’s world, based on the growing challenges to culture and cultures in today’s societies. The uniqueness of the program will be underlined by the shared spiritual and moral discourse each civilization can bring to the debate. This year, the emphasis will again be upon the young participants themselves and their ideas and visions for the future.

With this objective in mind, we are now starting our process of recruitment of participants. It would be much appreciated if you could nominate 1 or 2 candidates from among your young employees, interns or members to participate in our Program.

Application Instructions

Who can apply?
  • Young scholars, NGO workers, Peace and Human Rights activists, youth leaders, researchers, who are active in civilizational dialogue, peace studies or interfaith programs. Age 21-25.
  • Preference will be shown to applicants who can demonstrate how this Program will directly benefit them, their organization or academic institution in developing dialogue programs at local, regional and/or international level.
  • Proficiency in English is required. If you are accepted you will be required to participate fully in the, discussions and role plays in English.
  • Please do not apply if you do not have strong English skills.
How to apply?
  • Send completed application form, resume/CV, essay titled, ‘My cultural heritage and me’ with a letter of recommendation and passport photo to:
JUST IYEP4 Secretariat
International Movement for a Just World
JKR 1258, Jalan Telok off Jalan Gasing, 46200 Petaling Jaya
Selangor D.E., MALAYSIA
Tel: 6 03 7781 2494Fax: 6 03 7781 3245
  • This form may be submitted by post, or e-mail
  • Applications will be acknowledged on receipt. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of selection soon after the closing date.
  • Participants are responsible for arranging and funding their round-trip travel from home country to Malaysia. No request for financial support can be considered. Participants are expected to seek financial support from their own organization and /or other foundations.
Registration Fee

There is no Registration Fee; the organizers will cover food, accommodation, transportation during the program and all program materials.

For this purpose we are enclosing the nomination form. We would be grateful if the forms duly filled could be returned to the address below by 26 October 2010.

For more insight into what JUST and the JUST IYEP program are all about please visit www.just-international.org and go to YOUTUBE using keyword ‘IYEP2, IYEP4’ to see highlights of previous JUST IYEPs.

Wednesday, 20 October 2010

Launch of the Campaign on Free Education

Dear all,

During FT 2, the FT members have agreed to support a campaign by youth asking for free education for all.

The campaign will be spearheaded by Gerakan Menuntut Pendidikan Percuma (GMPP) of which the Lasallian FT have agreed to play a small role in. GMPP consists of university student groups such as KAMI, GAMIS, DEMA, as well as Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)'s youth group.

The campaign will be launched this Saturday night, in conjunction with PSM 4th annual Konsert Malam Revolusi. There will be performances by bands such as Meor, Ayam Fared, Auto Artistik, Nik, as well as performances by a refugee group and a violin player. The focus of the night will be the fight against neoliberalism.

Date: 23/10/10 (Saturday)
Time: 8pm
Place: Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall

Please do come to:
- support the launch of the campaign for free education
- promote the Lasallian campaign 'Voices of Students'

If you don't know what is 'Voices', please proceed to www.voicesofstudents.wordpress.com and help to spread the word far and wide.

If you can make it this Saturday night, please contact Pui Yi at 0175006747 or puiyi.wpy@gmail.com.

More updates to come on GMPP and 'Voices of Students'!



Saturday, 9 October 2010

A letter from Brother Superior, Br Alvaro






If you want to promote peace promote creation.


To value creation as a gift of God to humanity helps us to understand the vocation and the value of man.


I invite you to engage yourselves in the promotion of a creation which is a promotion of peace. To commit yourselves, as the Guarani Indians of Paraguay said, in search of a land without evils.


The earth is our common home, in it we are engaged as individuals, we are with others, we discover God. I think that today you as Lasallian Youth are very sensitive to this reality, so it is important to live a solidarity that will lead to sharing resources with those less fortunate and to take the means, however small and disproportionate that they may appear to seem, to leave to future generations a livable world.


Certainly the concern over climate change and its consequences must be part of youth concerns, as well as the interiorization of attitudes of respect, gratitude, love and concern for our mother earth. But I believe we must have a special concern for those who today enjoy less of creation and do not benefit from the extraordinary advances of current technology. For La Salle service of the poor always was primary.


This is a compassionate solidarity by which we allow ourselves to be affected by the sufferings of others, acting against avoidable suffering and assuming the task of finding ways of hope and transformation.






Wednesday, 6 October 2010

Freedom Film Festival 2010.

Leave a comment if you're going, we can meet up.
Highly encouraged to go - it's an eye opener.

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FreedomFilmFest2010 is back for the 7th year. The annual human rights film festival will be held throughout the month of October & November, gracing cities across the nation including Petaling Jaya, Johor Bahru, Miri and Georgetown!

This year, KOMAS is proud to announce that the main premier of FreedomFilmFest2010 held in Petaling Jaya is organised in cooperation with theSELANGOR STATE GOVERNMENT under the care of Exco Kebudayaan YB Rodziah Ismail.

Date:
16 & 17 October, 2010

Venue:
Menara PKNS, 17 Jalan Yong Shook Lin, 46200 Petaling Jaya (Google MAP)

*Nearby LRT Putra Asiajaya or LRT Putra Taman Jaya.
RapidKL Buses: T505, U66, T629


The two-day festival will feature 14 award winning Malaysian and international human rights documentaries.

This is a private closed door event. Please REGISTER ONLINE to get your FREE tickets:
http://freedomfilmfest.komas.org/tickets


Enquiries: freedomfilmfest@komas.org

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FILM SCREENING SCHEDULE
All thematic sessions will be followed by a 20min facilitated discussion with exciting and knowledgeable resource persons. So come prepared with your questions/if any, and to participate and share!!

Sat, 16 Oct, 2pm
Theme:
OUR RIGHTS & POLICE POWERS
“The Story of Human Rights”
“Every Mother's Son”

Sat, 16 Oct, 3.30pm
Theme:
RIGHTS OF THE POOR
“Raul The Terrible”

Sat, 16 Oct, 5pm
Theme:
CONSIDERING NUCLEAR AS AN ENERGY SOURCE
“Uranium – Is it a Country?”

Sat, 16 Oct, 7.30pm
OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF FFF2010 by YB Rodziah Ismail Exco Kebudayaan Negeri Selangor.
PREMIERE OF FFF2010 COMPETITION FILMS

8.25pm “Pilih”
9.15pm “Hak DiNafikan”
10.05pm “Kisah Tauke Mancis&Minyak Tumpah”
11pm Awards Ceremony

Sun, 17 Oct, 12pm
Theme:
EMPOWERING INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
“Hutan Kehidupan Kami(Land is our life)”

Sun, 17 Oct, 2pm
Theme:
APPLICATION OF ISLAMIC LAWS IN MALAYSIA
“Mencari Kartika (Searching for Kartika)"

Sun, 17 Oct, 3.30pm
Theme:
MIGRANTS IN LIMBO
“Special Pass”

Sun, 17 Oct, 4.40pm
THEME:
MALAYSIA – INDONESIA: SAME-SAME?
“Budaya Tak Terbatas (Borderless culture)”

Sun, 17 Oct, 5:30pm
Theme:
FOCUS ON BURMA
“Hongsha's Bag”
“Burma's Hidden Killers”

Sun, 17 Oct, 8pm
Theme:
WOMEN HEROES IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION
“Pray the devil back to hell”

*Full film synopsis available at
http://freedomfilmfest.komas.org

FREDOMFILMFEST2010 is funded by the EUROPEAN UNION in cooperation with KONRAD ADENAUER STIFTUNG.

Check out OUR WEBSITE for more screenings in Miri, JB, Penang etc. Do email us freedomfilmfest@komas.org if you're interested to host your own screening party on our behalf at your OWN hometown!

http://freedomfilmfest.komas.org

Tuesday, 5 October 2010

A letter from Rome



Re: 4 International Lasallian Days for Peace

Dear Brother Visitors and Auxiliary Visitors,

We are very pleased to write this letter as a kind reminder of the fourth annual International Lasallian Days for Peace (ILDP) initiative.

As has been the custom in the last few years, we are calling on Lasallian Institutions and Lasallian Groups to spread the word that starting on September 21, 2010 - the United Nations’ sanctioned International Day of Peace - and ending on October 21st , we Lasallians will be fostering peace in our world through prayer, study and action.

We are building on the very creative model adopted by the Malaysian Lasallian Youth Commission, and also on the many wonderful initiatives over the past three years. All Young Lasallians (YLs) in your respective Districts and Regions are being called to find ways to participate in this powerful Lasallian peace movement.

Each Region/District/Local Educational Center will provide its own personal touch to the four weeks of the program. Some will have programs that span the entire month; others will select certain days to plan their activities. No matter what your local response may be, we are asking that where possible you organize some activity (either a culminating finale or a single experience) on Wednesday, October 21st so that all Lasallians around the world will be united in prayer/study/action for peace.

We encourage you to forward to us any relevant resources and materials related to the theme of ‘Peace’ you might have and which could be useful to other groups in preparation for this event. It would be greatly appreciated if you could forward us the contact details of Lasallians in your District who would be interested and willing to participate in or coordinate such an activity within their local educational center or apostolate.

The initiatives in the different Districts and Regions could take the form of, but are not limited to, the following:
• Voluntary work experiences both within and outside your own district
• Commitment to live a simpler, less consumeristic life-style
• Assembly activities in schools
• Prayer services
• Workshops / Campaigns / Art Exhibitions
• Peaceful marches
• Sending of letters to local authorities calling for Peace in specific areas of conflict
• Intercultural or Inter-religious activities
• Others

For further updates and correspondence regarding this initiative or any other ICYL project, kindly contact us at icyl@lasalle.org.

Yours sincerely,

Br. Charles Kitson, fsc

International Secretary for Lasallian Family and Assoication

Joseph Gilson.

International Coordinator for Young Lasallians