The Launch and the Awareness Booth

The RAWK Foundation held its official launching last Wednesday on the 7th of March, 2007, in Lecture Theatre 1, Taylor's College Petaling Jaya.

The launching started promptly at 9.30am, with the arrival of Taylor's College School of Communication Programme Director Ms. Josephine Tan, teachers and autistic children from NASOM, lecturers and students as well as members of the public who came and gave their support. Our project manager, Kelly Ch'ng, kick-started the launch with a brief introduction to RAWK and its mission, followed by a foreword from Ms. Josephine Tan.

RAWK Foundation Project Manager Kelly Ch'ng giving an introductory speech

After both speeches, the teachers and autistic children of NASOM performed a short albeit simple play, portraying the life of autistic children. The play, which was an interesting mixture of prose, sketch, and video illustrated the hardships of autistic children and the rejection they face by society, and some even from parents.

Autistic children performing a play during the launching

A teacher from NASOM then came forward to read a testimonial detailing the challenges faced by a mother having to deal with an autistic child. After that, another impressive speech was given by a 12-year-old boy, Hazim, who presented a personal account of being an autistic child in public schools. His witty, articulate delivery received a tremendous response in the packed theatre.

A testimonial read by one of the teachers from NASOM

Hazim giving an impassioned speech

After the play, Executive Director of NASOM Mrs. Liew enlightened the audience with information on NASOM and the efforts of NASOM in helping both parents and children to deal with autism.

Mrs. Josephine Tan (second from left) presenting Mrs. Liew with a token of appreciation

This was followed by a short video presentation of the RAWK Foundation visit to NASOM, which you can watch below.

The end of the video marked the official launching of the RAWK Foundation and was followed by presenting tokens of appreciation to the honoured guests. Finally, the lecturers and representatives from NASOM adjourned for light refreshments, while the rest of the students and audience proceeded to the Courtyard to check out the RAWK Foundation Awareness Booth.

Awareness Booth

The RAWK Foundation Awareness Booth, situated at the courtyard of Leisure Commerce Square, had several boards up with information to inform the public on autism, the symptoms and effects of autism, information on NASOM, information on RAWK Foundation and the activities we have organised as well as upcoming activities, and most importantly The Talent Showdown!

The information boards at the Awareness Booth

The crowd checking out the information boards

A student counting peanuts for the game, and another checking out the RAWK Talent Showdown flyers.

We had several cool performances to keep the crowd entertained, with the first performance being a very energetic dance by The Music and Dance Society, followed by a rendition of TLC's 'No Scrubs' sung by girl trio Carrie. Melisa Suciati came next, and sang 2 songs - a version of Jason Mraz's 'You and I' accompanied by only maracas and an acapella version of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'. Last but not least was an engaging Jujitsu demonstration.

1st performance by The Music and Dance Society

2nd performance by girl trio, Carrie

A wonderful performance by Melisa Suciati accompanied by the maracas.

The hard-hitting Jujitsu demonstration

There was also a games booth with featuring a Guess the Peanuts! game and a Banana-Eating Competition, with hampers and vouchers to be won.

Giving their best guess at the Guess the Peanuts! game.

The Banana-Eating Competition

The RAWK Foundation T-shirts were also on sale for RM22. They're made from high-quality, dry fit Kappa material. Get yours from your nearest RAWK member (identifiable by the tag around our necks) or drop us an e-mail at rawkfoundation@gmail.com.

The back design of The RAWK Foundation T-shirt.

Barring a few technical problems with the PA system at the courtyard, everything went well, and once again, The RAWK Foundation thanks all who have been giving us your continued support.

On a final note, tickets to the Talent Showdown are now on sale! They're RM 20 each. As with the t-shirts, get them from the first RAWK Foundation member you can lay your hands on, or e-mail us at rawkfoundation@gmail.com. Show off your talent and join the Talent Showdown, or get your friends and family to come and vote for your favourite talents!