Latest news with #DignityforChildrenFoundation
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Spotlight on young talents in theatre showcase this Sunday
KUALA LUMPUR: Children from a variety of cultural backgrounds are set to light up the stage at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre in four enchanting plays on June 15. The series, presented by The Story Book Academy, brings together local and international students to celebrate inclusion, creativity, and confidence through the magic of theatre, according to a statement released recently. Since its founding in 2022, The Story Book Academy has championed all-child casts in public performances. This approach fosters friendships and empathy as youngsters from different communities learn, rehearse, and perform side by side. This Sunday's lineup features beloved classic tales such as Pinocchio, Snow White, Peter Pan, and Maleficent, all of which will be staged entirely by children aged 4 to 15. All shows will be presented at different times throughout the day. A special highlight of the Maleficent production will be the participation of four scholarship recipients from the Dignity for Children Foundation. Three returning scholars exemplify the Academy's dedication to creating opportunities for underprivileged youth through its performing-arts scholarship programme. "Our mission isn't about perfecting technique," says Jeanisha Wan, the academy's director. "We nurture creativity, ignite imagination, and share a love of storytelling. When kids from diverse walks of life collaborate on stage, they develop vital social skills like communication, teamwork, and empathy that last a lifetime." Building on its commitment to growth and leadership, the academy will invite select alumni from its 2024 season to serve as emcees, giving returning students the chance to guide and inspire their peers. The series of plays will culminate with a celebratory "Oscar Awards" ceremony, honouring last year's standout actors and applauding the achievements of these young performers. While every role is earned through audition, ensuring that each child on stage brings genuine passion and dedication, the academy emphasises learning through play and social engagement over formal acting drills. Performances have previously been staged in theatres, shopping centres, and community venues, giving children meaningful public exposure and a vibrant introduction to the performing arts.
The Star
6 days ago
- General
- The Star
‘Children in high-rises need space for recreation'
Richard says authorities here should emulate South Korea by encouraging developers to ensure their projects are children-friendly. ENSURING adequate play space could help curb the alarming increase in the number of children falling from balconies and windows at strata residences. This may include building and upgrading playgrounds, as well as organising community programmes for children to release pent-up energy. A 2021 article in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlighted that children living in high-density urban housing with limited access to outdoor areas are more likely to engage in unsafe play behaviours. To promote safe physical activities among children, it suggested having playgrounds within walking distance of residences. Richard Kishore Joseph, the international travel and learning coordinator for Malaysia-based Dignity for Children Foundation, said many children living in high-rises, especially those at public housing flats, often lacked space and activities to fill their free time. Richard says authorities here should emulate South Korea by encouraging developers to ensure their projects are children-friendly. 'When children don't have access to play spaces, they will treat balconies, corridors and stairwells as their playground. 'So why are we shocked when tragedy strikes,' he said, when asked to comment on recent cases of children falling to their deaths from strata residences. Richard added that Malaysian authorities could emulate South Korea by encouraging developers to ensure their projects are children-friendly. 'In Seoul, for instance, there's a push towards child-friendly cities where urban planning includes play zones within walking distance of every housing area. 'Local councils can provide further support by sending mobile toy libraries to selected neighbourhoods,' he added. More children are growing up at high-rises and low-cost flats as land becomes scarcer, especially in urban areas. — Filepic Echoing similar sentiments, mother of two V. Naidu, 46, said children needed outdoor exposure every now and then. 'Those living in high-rises may feel cooped up and balconies are the only place they get to enjoy fresh air,' she said. Mother of three Siti Sabariah Hamid, 41, said raising her children in her two-bedroom flats meant there was limited space. 'I have to let them play in the corridors. 'The government should consider requiring developers to provide a certain minimum floor space when building their projects,' she said. — By FARID WAHAB
