Empowering Youths with Disabilities Through Adventure

On July 5, Persatuan Hidup Berdikari OKU Malaysia (PHBM) hosted a life-changing camping event at Glow@Wetland, Putrajaya for 30 young individuals with disabilities, most of whom are students from the Recovery and Industrial Training Centre (PLPP) in Bangi, Selangor. For most, this was their first time experiencing outdoor activities like camping.

PHBM is an organization run by persons with disabilities for the disabled community (OKU). They aim to create a generation of OKUs who are competitive, self-reliant, and able to comtribute meaningfully to the nation's development.

Most of the participants come from B40 families and are faced with the legacy of poverty. It is an overwhelming burden to inherit both poverty and disability. Despite this, they want to work and earn a living independently without relying on others.

During this visit, the My Poverty Is team witnessed the joy and determination of these youths, who despite their limitations, were eager to participate fully. It was a deeply moving and inspiring experience that highlighted the resilience and potential of youth with disabilities when given the right opportunities.

Poverty and disability shouldn't define a future—and this camp proved just how powerful support and belief can be.