Kiwanis Academy
In 2019, the Kiwanis Khir Johari Foundation (KKJF) launched the Kiwanis Malaysia Academy (KMA). This initiative aims to create an equitable and excellent education platform for special education needs, ensuring all students acquire and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to thrive in their studies, careers, and adult lives.
The Kiwanis Malaysia Academy team is composed of dedicated professionals, academicians, and educationists who volunteer their time to KMA. They are committed to enhancing understanding, strengthening community education needs, and impacting the future of special education in Malaysia.
KMA works with parents, teachers, caregivers, activists, consultants, business owners, and government ministries and agencies. Together, they address the challenges and issues in teaching and learning for children and youth with special needs.
Mission
To serve as a catalyst in special needs education and youth development, empowering key stakeholders to offer the best possible support to the children they serve.
Vision
To provide children with enhanced opportunities to realize their dreams through improved special needs education, youth development, and lifelong learning.
3 Core Imperatives
Special Needs Education
To enable them to provide the best learning opportunities for the children.
Children & Youth Development
To provide them with the tools and guidance for effective programs for children and youth.
Leadership & Lifelong Learning
To provide knowledge, training, and tools so that they can better serve their communities and children.
Academy Roles
- Centralizing and standardizing knowledge for improvement.
- Staying informed about government policies and aiding centers/clubs in compliance.
- Spearheading thought leadership and promoting best practices.
- Engaging in research and knowledge sharing.
- Offering guidance, support, and training for centers/clubs.
- Emphasizing collaboration to avoid duplication, without enforcing or policing.
Objectives
The Academy aims to build capacity for greater community impact, improving Malaysia one child, one community at a time. We focus on developing Permanent Centres and Signature Projects (including PEAK Summits) with expertise in governance, financial management, center operations, fundraising, marketing, PR, and strategic partnerships.
Additionally, we enhance Youth and Kiwanis Leadership Development through training in governance, financial management, fundraising, marketing, PR, strategic partnerships, and digital marketing.
Our objectives include promoting stewardship and accountability, expanding knowledge in social enterprise, human rights, ethics, mental health, counseling, physiotherapy, and job placement, and advancing leadership development for center stakeholders, teachers, youth club leaders, Kiwanis national leaders, and club board directors.
Foundation and Award