By CHIN MUI YOON

THEY may not be able to hear, but the energy, vitality and ambition of the hearing-impaired can take them to greater heights. 

Since 1975, a huge motivator for this group of disabled youths has been the YMCA International Deaf Youth Camp. 

Formerly known as the YMCA International Handicapped in Hearing Camp (HH Camp), the event unites deaf youths from various nations for a week of cultural exchange, development of self-esteem, fostering cross-boundary friendship and learning new skills. 

Malaysia will be the host of the 30th anniversary of the camp, which will be held between July 29 and Aug 5 this year. 

YMCA senior administrator for deaf work Jessica Mak, volunteer Eng Foong Mei and Lim with the colourful T-shirts made for the camp's 30th anniversary celebrations.

Over 150 youths between the ages of 16 and 30 are expected to converge at venues in Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands and Penang.  

Malaysia previously hosted the camp in 1983, 1999 and 2000. 

“The aim of the camp has always been to unite deaf youths across nations for them to interact and share information about the challenges facing them in the different countries,” said YMCA of Kuala Lumpur assistant manager Lucy Lim during a recent interview in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. 

“It is inspiring for the deaf to hear stories of other youths who are able to attend universities, graduate with honours and be able to achieve all the dreams every youth has, whether they are able to hear or not.” 

Lim said a particular student from Japan shared details of her opportunity to enrol for a diploma in dentistry under a programme for the deaf. 

“Stories like these awaken youths to the possibilities that are out there,” said Lim.  

“We are accustomed to certain jobs for people who are disabled, such as basket weaving and massage for the blind. 

“Yet, in many places, the deaf can participate in professional courses where they have equal opportunities to learn, study, and work.” 

One of the examples can be found in Tan Eng Bee, 25.  

Tan attended the camp in Korea in 1998. When she returned home, she was determined to earn her qualifications and took up a Diploma in Multimedia and Animation course at the LimKokWing University College. 

Tan is currently busy with assisting in a project to produce a multimedia presentation in conjunction with the YMCA's 100th anniversary celebrations.  

During the camp, the participants will undergo leadership training, team building activities, cultural exchanges through traditional games, handicraft and presentations and excursions. 

The youths will be able to participate in aerobics, basketball, blow-pipe blowing, street soccer and traditional Malaysian games like carrom, galah panjang and congkak . 

A group of Mah Meri orang asli from Carey Island will present their unique cultural heritage in the form of dances and a handicraft display at the camp.  

A gala charity cum opening ceremony dinner will be held on July 31 at the Holiday Villa Subang for which the public can show their support by buying dinner tables.  

“The camp is organised and run by the deaf youths with aid from many ex-campers,'' said Lim. 

“For many of them, it is an opportunity of a lifetime to be able to travel to a foreign country to join deaf youths from all over the world in a camp. 

“We hope Malaysians will support us in any way they can,” she added 

The YMCA International Deaf Youth Camp is still seeking private and corporate sponsors who can support the event by placing advertisements in the official camp programme or buying dinner tables at the opening ceremony. 

For more information, call the YMCA Pusat Mujudiri Y for the Deaf at 03-2274 1439, e-mail pmy@ymcakl.com or visit www.ymcakl.com/hhcamp .