Yayasan Chow Kit launches one-stop children's centre to empower vulnerable children
The milestone initiative integrates holistic care, education, mental health support, and creative opportunities under one roof, creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to realise their potential.
KUALA LUMPUR – Yayasan Chow Kit (YCK), a renowned non-governmental organisation, launches its new one-stop children’s centre today, a transformative initiative aimed at protecting, empowering and uplifting vulnerable children and teenagers in Malaysia.
The milestone initiative integrates holistic care, education, mental health support, and creative opportunities under one roof, creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to realise their potential.
This state-of-the-art facility offers holistic education and creative programmes to foster learning and innovation, mental health support through dedicated professionals ensuring emotional well-being and vibrant safe spaces for children to grow, explore and express themselves confidently.
Speaking at the launch, YCK Chairman Zakri Mohd Khir emphasised the importance of investing in children as the foundation for a better future.
He described the new centre as a place for children to explore their potential.
“This is space, it's for children to be and feel what they can. Everybody has their own pathways. Unfortunately, in society today, there are so many challenges and so many roadblocks.
“However, hopefully, in our space here, we try to allow people to fulfill what they're destined to fulfill, with all the help and all the motivation that we can give them,” he said.
Zakri also expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who generously contributed to the centre, emphasising the boundless impact such support could have on the lives of children and highlighting the profound importance of their collective efforts.
“To everyone who has generously supported this initiative, thank you. Your efforts have created a space that will impact lives infinitely. This centre represents our collective commitment to ensuring no child is left behind,” he added.
The launch event was graced by prominent figures, including YCK founder Datuk Dr Hartini Zainudin, Think City Managing Director Datuk Hamdan Abdul Majeed, CIMB Foundation Board of Trustees member Rosnah Kamarul Zaman, Allianz Malaysia Berhad CEO Sean Wang, YCK CEO Ananti Rajasingam and artist Poesy Liang.
YCK Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ananti Rajasingam said the centre represents more than just a physical structure—it stands as a beacon of hope for vulnerable children.
She shared that the launch was dedicated to honoring the contributors whose generosity turned this dream into a reality for the marginalised children they serve.
She acknowledged the tremendous efforts of everyone involved, noting that the entire team, including staff members and children, worked tirelessly to make this possible despite operating with a very limited budget.
"It symbolises our dedication to ensuring every child has the opportunity to live with dignity and dream of a brighter future."
"We are deeply grateful to our funders, partners, and the YCK community for making this vision a reality,” she said.
Ananti also extended her gratitude to artist Poesy Liang for her creative contribution and emphasised that the collective support from contributors highlights the power of collaboration in creating a meaningful and lasting impact for vulnerable communities.
“I hope we can continue to work together to make our nation a safer place for all children,” she added.
The launch ceremony included inspiring speeches by Zakri and Ananti, along with a signing ceremony to mark this significant milestone.
Adding to the celebration, YCK's children showcased their vibrant talents through captivating performances in dance, poetry, and music, enchanting the audience.
The One-Stop Children's Centre reflects YCK's mission to nurture and empower vulnerable children and teenagers.
The new YCK building, located at 19, Jalan Belia, Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur, was renovated from March 14, 2022, to June 21, 2024.
Located behind KL Krash Pad, the building consolidates the PAKK and KLKP centres into a one-stop children’s centre, offering protection, education, after-school activities, and counselling services in collaboration with HumanKind.
The 1,658-square-meter facility spans three floors and includes eight classrooms, nine toilets, two dormitories, two prayer rooms, a sick bay, office spaces, a main hall, a rooftop water tank, a gym, and an urban rooftop garden.
It also features 48 CCTV cameras, fire safety systems as well as designated areas for learning, play and creative activities.
The second floor serves children aged 7 to 12, with offices for PAKK staff, play areas, a toy library, a pantry, and a sick bay.
The third floor is for teenagers aged 13 to 18 and includes a multipurpose hall, podcast studio, counselling rooms, an open library, and separate prayer rooms.
The fourth-floor hosts classrooms for the Alternative Learning Programme, along with a meeting room, toilets, and a laundry area. The rooftop provides a gym and a space for agricultural education.
