Proud day: Graduates of the ‘Aku Luar Biasa’ programme joyfully displaying their certificates at a youth centre in Kuala Lumpur. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Overcoming the trauma of being raped, running away from a troubled home and ending up working as an escort to support herself are some of the harrowing experiences that Nur (not her real name) had to endure while growing up.
At one point, she was also on psychiatric medication because she turned to self-harm.
But all that changed when she was placed in Asrama Bahagia, Kuala Lumpur, under a court order until she turned 18.
Sharing her story, Nur from Labuan, Sabah, said she grew up in a tumultuous environment with her two older sisters.
Their mother was a habitual gambler, an alcoholic and would often bring strange men home.
Nur said she ran away from home after her two sisters left due to their mother’s addiction to get-rich-quick schemes and other unhealthy behaviours which eventually took a toll on the family.
She briefly stayed with one of her mother’s friends in Selangor until things got a bit messy following a sour relationship.
To support herself, she was forced to become an escort for seven months because that was the only job she could find during the movement control order period.
“I never knew my dad because he died when I was one.
“When my sisters left for Kuala Lumpur, I had to deal with my mum alone. Not long after, I ran away, hoping to live by myself.
“Eventually, I was placed at Asrama Bahagia and I told the court everything that had happened to me.
“The court decided that my mother was unfit to care for me, so I was placed under the Welfare Department at the safe house until I turned 18,” she said.
It was a memorable day for Nur yesterday as she was among 24 girls who graduated from the “Aku Luar Biasa” (I Am Extraordinary) programme, a continuation from the Youth Inspiration programme organised by the Youth and Sports Ministry and Malaysia Youth Council to reduce social ills among young people.
The programme is a psychological support service that helps participants rise again with confidence.
Asrama Bahagia is chosen as a pilot project for the programme with the aim to equip participants with self-care and emotional management.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim presented the certificates to the 24 girls, who underwent the six-month programme from September last year.
Voicing her appreciation for being part of the programme, Nur said now she was able to handle her emotions, communicate better and cast aside her bitter memories.
“After staying at the safe house, I realised I had missed out on my childhood.
“There, I got to do normal things my peers did like play basketball and congkak, and interact with others.
“I no longer inflict harm on myself or take psychiatric drugs because my life has changed and I am in full control of my life now.
“Even my relationship with family members has improved,” she added.
Nur, who will be sitting for her SPM exams, is hoping to become a pilot or a flight attendant.
Another participant, Karen (not her real name), 18, from Kuantan, Pahang had always been rebellious and was unable to control her emotions.
She was placed at Asrama Bahagia by her family temporarily but continued to stay on.
“I just could not control my actions because I would get angry and frustrated when my parents did not give in. I, however, did not dabble in anything illegal.
“After attending the programme, I realised how to love myself more. I am more in control of my emotions and able to resolve conflicts.
“I have learnt many things here. There is so much to gain in life,” she added.
Deja (not her real name), 16, also from Kuantan, said she has benefited much from the programme and now feels more in control of her emotions and behaviour.
Although she has spent time in other safe houses, her experience in Asrama Bahagia combined with the programmes there have really made a difference in her life.
“I learned to make changes to myself because I chose to do it. This is what the programme has taught me. I entered this house due to my unhealthy social behaviour like hanging out with bad hats, trying substances and watching illegal racing.
“Now, I have realised my wrongdoings and am able to connect with my family and feel much happier,” she added.
