Empowering Youth Through Community Action Grants: Projects for Happiness 2024
Projects for Happiness 2024 is a youth community action grant initiative aimed at empowering young people to transform ideas into meaningful social impact. The programme supports youth-led teams through funding, mentorship, and structured guidance, enabling them to design and implement community-based projects that address real societal needs.
Organisers highlighted that the programme is not only about competition, but also about learning and growth. One organiser shared that “amazing creativity and passion were clearly shown by all participating teams,” adding that it is encouraging to see students taking initiative to design solutions for real community challenges.
Each team underwent a structured evaluation process where judges assessed the proposals based on impact, feasibility, sustainability, and clarity of implementation. The panel provided feedback and suggestions to help teams refine their ideas further, ensuring that even beyond the selection process, participants gained valuable insights for future development.
After careful deliberation, Melodies of Mine (Universiti Putra Malaysia) was awarded Best Project, followed by Shine On Sustainably (S.O.S) (Universiti Malaysia Sabah) in second place, and Jurus Tingkap (UiTM Puncak Perdana) in third place.
Other participating teams were also recognised for their strong efforts and meaningful concepts, including Splash of Confidence Beyond Sight (UPNM), P.A.W.S – Pets Are Worth Saving (UMS), Let’s Go Waste Wise! (UMS), and S.P.A.R.K.L.E (UMS). Organisers emphasised that each project demonstrated how youth-driven initiatives, no matter their scale, can contribute positively to society when driven by purpose and teamwork.
A student participant reflected that the experience was both challenging and rewarding, sharing that it “helped us understand how to refine our ideas, accept feedback, and think more deeply about real community needs.” Another participant added that working through the pitching process encouraged them to “see problems from a wider perspective and consider the real impact of our solutions.”
Beyond the competition aspect, the programme also served as a capacity-building platform where participants strengthened their communication skills, teamwork, and ability to translate ideas into actionable plans. Many teams expressed that the mentorship and feedback sessions were one of the most valuable parts of the experience.
Since its inception in 2014, Projects for Happiness under My Starfish Foundation has supported 209 student-led projects, with a total funding of RM1.24 million, positively impacting communities nationwide. The 2024 edition continues to build on this legacy by nurturing a new generation of socially conscious youth who are committed to creating sustainable and meaningful change in society.
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