Vetri Association
Vetri Association or Pertubuhan Vetri is an educational association (Non-Governmental Organization) that focuses on developing students from Tamil vernacular schools in Malaysia. The association aims to prepare and empower students based on three key result areas: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Education, 3L (Language, Linguistics and Leadership), and Psychological Wellness. The idea of establishing this association was first brought up during the launch of Tamizhal Naan, a book written by Dr. Rahim Munna who was the founder of Vetri Association.
History[edit]
This association was initiated on the 11 December 2019 with its head office in Mantin, Negeri Sembilan, by Associate Professor Dr. Mohammad Rahim Kamaluddin (also known as Dr. Rahim Munna) to assist and improve the standards of students from Tamil schools in Malaysia. The date of initiation is unique. It is also the birthday of Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharathiyar, a Tamil writer, poet, journalist, Indian independence activist, social reformer, and polyglot known to be a prominent figure in Tamil history and its development.
The association's name is written as 'Pertubuhan Vetri' and 'Vetri Association' in Malay and English. The translation signifies an effort to establish and glorify Malay as Malaysia's national language, besides being a key focal point of the Vetri Association (linguistics). 'Vetri' is a term in Tamil that carries the meaning of success or an outstanding achievement. This term was clarified suitable by the goal, vision, and missions of establishing this association, which strives to be a catalyst to student's success in three key result areas composed of STEM education, 3L, and psychological wellness. The focus area mainly concentrates on primary school students, especially in Tamil vernacular schools of Malaysia. The Association aims to enhance, develop, and improve student's communication skills (mainly in Malay, English, and Tamil) and their leadership qualities. Also, to produce a generation of fulfilled intellectually and fulfilled, presentable, outgoing, and confident in achieving their goals. Students are also encouraged to expand their science and technology interests to equip themselves with sufficient knowledge regarding the ever-expanding world. All these are focused without neglecting the importance of the students' psychological wellness by empowering them with coping skills, resilience, and self-esteem. Apart from students, this association also intends to enable student's parents and teachers within the mentioned vital result areas.
In the logo, the letter 'அ' (pronounced as 'a') in the center is the first letter in the Tamil language, thus signifying the target community of Vetri Association – the students from Malaysian Tamil Vernacular Schools regardless of race and religion. Vetri Association is NOT based on race or religion, but only student demographics as students from Tamil vernacular schools could be from different racial and religious backgrounds. The mortarboard and scroll represent the Vetri Association's aim as being the catalyst to Tamil vernacular school students in succeeding in their dreams and goals which also represent the association's belief that children without education are like birds without wings. The colour red represents the bravery and spirit needed to achieve one's goals and dreams. In contrast, the circle shows how adherence to culture, values, principles, and rules defines a holistic Malaysian who's determined to succeed in his/her field.
Advisors and Members of Vetri Association[edit]
1. Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Rahim bin Kamaluddin (Founder of Vetri Association).[1]
2. Datuk Dr. Swamenathan a/l S. Muthalagu (Advisor of Vetri Association).[2]
3. DCP Dr. Kausalya Devi Sathoo (Advisor of Vetri Association).[3]
4. Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan (Advisor of Vetri Association).
5. Mr. Kesawan a/l Nagarajoo.
6. Ms. Pushpa a/p Manimuthu.
7. Mr. Ganaprakash a/l Varalharajoo.
8. Madam Sugunah Sellian.
9. Mr. Rajan Nagarajan.
10. Ms. Linthini a/p Gannetion.
11. Mr. R. Parthiban.
12. Mr. Thilak Sivagnanam.
13. Mr. Shankar a/l Durairaja.
14. Miss Sunesha a/p Munisamy.
15. Miss Kuganishvari a/p Santhiren.
16. Mr. Vimal Raj Vivekanandah.
17. Miss Muganiswary A/P Ramasamy.
18. Miss Sindhu Thanabalan.
19. Miss Durgayashini a/p Puspanathan.
20. Mr. Pugelentheran a/l Paremasamy.
21. Mr. Mogen a/p Selvaraja.
Activities[edit]
Vetri Association has always focused on the development and advancement of students from Tamil vernacular schools. The activities conducted to ensure this goal usually targets the potential of students in various capabilities, which include the three key result areas: STEM (Science, Technology, and Engineering) education, 3L (Language, Linguistics, and Leadership), and psychological wellness. In April 2020, the Vetri Association kick started their activities by organizing the Science E-Kids Challenge, which involved students answering online challenges posted by the organizer. . This contest was organized during the first Movement Control Order during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. This competition was also partly sponsored by the Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC)[4] to develop an interest in science among the students who participate. It was then held at a national level and saw many participants with initial entries at up to 200 students from more than 80 Tamil vernacular schools in Malaysia. The winners were awarded cash prizes, e-certificates, and free subscriptions to The Petri Dish [5](sponsored by MABIC) for a year. Other awards in this competition include the Junior Author Award, Junior Innovator Award, and Junior Science Communicator Award. The association also conducted an "Survival Camp" offers intellect revelry for tamil community children and parents, which has been published in The Petri Dish [6] article. Apart from contests, they execute self-development activities such as their recent ‘100 Impactful Quotes’ project. They develop inspiring, motivational quotes, design e-posters, and post them on social media to help encourage anyone who reads them. These quotes were shared more than 300 times on Facebook and reached more than 50000 Facebook users.
The association has also organized many self-development programs for children in need. The workshops and seminars organized focused more on students with special needs, juvenile crime, and dyslexia being the primary concern. These activities helped the parents of affected students understand their children better and provide them with the necessary attention needed to shape them better. Vetri aims to improve student’s mainstream education and overall performance, both in and out of the classroom, besides creating awareness for children of special needs by educating the general public regarding the importance of acknowledging and acting for special children. They have also invited over international speakers to deliver their ideas, thoughts, and to inspire along with the members of the association. For this, Vetri Association has collaborated National Organization of Dyslexia Malaysia [7] More than 10000 viewers have watched the online webinars and more than 50 teachers and parents have joined the two days' workshop on dyslexia. Also conducted Free webinars on psychological wellness such as positive parenting and family well-being for parents and teachers. This project also involved an expert from India – Dr. U. Vijayabanu.
Another prospective program organized by Vetri Association is a National Symposium on Adolescent Psychology in March 2021. To support the mission, Pertubuhan Kaunselor Komuniti Tamil Malaysia has joined as the co-organizer for this symposium. It is anticipated that this symposium would recruit more than 200 participants, being Tamil school teachers, secondary school counselling teachers, parents, and non–governmental organization (NGO) leaders. Apart from all these activities, Vetri Association also becomes a co-organizer for an online essay writing competition organized by the Perak Association of Hindu Youths.
It continually provides information and short lessons through their Facebook page, where they post information regarding general knowledge, science, or language. This simple, concise, and consistent delivery of information ensures a slow and steady development among students who visit the page. The Association have always prioritize education over everything, and their activities are still focused on success through proper and fulfilled education.
Awards and Recognition[edit]
Vetri Association was nominated for the Third Avathar Awards in 2021 under the Appreciation Category for Outstanding Indian Community Service.
| Formation | 11 December 2019 |
| Purpose | Empowering Tamil School students in three key result areas: STEM Education, 3L (Language, Linguistics & Leadership) and Psychological Wellness |
| Registration Number | PPM-011-05-11122019 |
| Headquarters | Mantin, Negeri Sembilan |
| Founder | Associate Professor Dr. Mohammad Rahim Kamaluddin (also known as Rahim Munna) |
| Key people | Datuk Dr M. Swamenathan, DCP Dr Kausalya Devi Sathoo, Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan, Mr. Kesawan, Mr. Ganaprakash, Madam Sugunah Sellian, Miss Puspa, Mr. Parthiban, Mr Thilak Sivagnanam |
| Facebook Page | https://web.facebook.com/Vetriassociation |
References[edit]
- ↑ "Prof. Madya Dr. Mohammad Rahim Kamaluddin | Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being". www.ukm.my. 2015-06-23. Retrieved 2021-02-13.
- ↑ "Dr. M.Swamenathan A/L Al.S.Muthalagu - Psychiatrist, Melaka". Kinderasia. Retrieved 2021-02-13.
- ↑ "TKP Kausalya Devi a/p Sathoo". jpmportal.prison.gov.my. Retrieved 2021-02-13.
- ↑ Schmoldt, A.; Benthe, H. F.; Haberland, G. (1975-09-01). "Digitoxin metabolism by rat liver microsomes". Biochemical Pharmacology. 24 (17): 1639–1641. ISSN 1873-2968. PMID 10.
- ↑ "Science Kid e-challenge for Tamil primary schools organised by the Vetri Association". thestar. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Jayaraj, Jayasyaliny. "MCO 'survival camp' offers intellect revelry for children, parents | The Petri Dish". Retrieved 2021-02-21.
- ↑ "NOD Malaysia". nodmalaysia.com. Retrieved 2021-02-15.
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