Taking the holistic approach - The Star Online

By ZARINAH DAUD and SIRA HABIBU
THE new RM4mil Pu- sat Budi Penyayang in Kepala Batas, Penang, aims to promote the holistic development of communities in rural areas.

Complete with a library, classrooms, computer room, meeting rooms, music room, a hall, a cafeteria and a gymnasium, the resort-like centre provides an avenue for people to develop physically, mentally and spiritually regardless of race or religion.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who opened the centre on Saturday said more of such centres should be built in rural areas, adding that the centre in Kepala Batas would benefit people not only from the island and Seberang Prai but also Southern Kedah.

Abdullah thanked the Yayasan Budi Penyayang for taking the initiative to provide the facilities, and the Albukhary Foundation for sponsoring the double-storey building on a 0.8ha site.


Abdullah and Endon helping the children with their activities.
Thanking all the donors, Abdullah said the facilities at the centre were for the benefit of the entire community.

Yayasan Budi Penyayang chairman Datin Paduka Seri Endon Mahmood said she hoped that the centre would provide a lifeline of activity for youths. She added that she named the library at the centre after Abdullah's late mother Allahyarhamah Datuk Kailan.

Endon said the Cyberkids Maxis programme at the centre, initiated by Maxis telecommunications, would help bridge the rural-urban digital divide.

She added that a batik workshop was available at the centre in line with the government's aim to promote “one district, one industry.”

Endon also welcomed the English language programme for rural children, jointly formulated by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Yayasan Budi Penyayang.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the state government would support programmes on health, education and welfare by Yayasan Budi Penyayang.

Among the activities at the centre are tuition courses, motivational courses, career counselling, programmes for teachers, community health and information technology programmes.

In conjunction with the opening ceremony, Abdullah also launched Astro Pen-yayang charity programmes Misi Suara Hati (Inner Voice Mission) and Family Penyayang (Caring Family).