A fitting finish

Exhausted yet happy! The roof has gone up! Hurrah! Tremendous joy and applause when the Roofing Team completed their task. Group pix of all the volunteers with home partner on 27 Oct 2007. See you next year!

Little obliging and friendly Raymond...

Little Raymond is the nephew of home partner Sheila Justus. He interacts with chats, local news and info with the volunteers each day after school. Raymond playfully obliges Nik Adura to write her personal message for the home family. Taken on 27 Oct 2007.

Cement shortage!!

Plastering the last bit of 'my wall' began to gain feverish pace at the last hour of the 4th day ie the last day; tomorrow (Sunday 28 Oct 2007) is a much deserved rest day and they leave for home the same afternoon. Hey! Stop pinching my cement!

Habitat partnership at work!!

Public Relations Chairman of Habitat KK Jeannette Tong (front) with home partner Sheila Justus happily chipping at corners for smoothness and refinement. Taken on 27 Oct 2007.

A real family pix~~~after lunch on 27th Oct 2007

All the volunteers with Habitat KK home applicant Sheila Justus (seated, 4th from right) and some of her family members after lunch on Day 4 27th Oct 2007. Sheila's dad is seated on the floor, 1st from left. Everyone is fully geared up for a final onslaught as this is the last work day on the site!!

Nik Adura Live interview

Ms Nik Adura, Public Relations Manager, Renaissance Kota Bharu Hotel, shares her experience at the Habitat KK work site...(on 27th Oct 2007)

Live interview of Nik Adura from Renaissance Kota Bharu

Ms Nik Adura, Public Relations Manager, Renaissance Kota Bharu Hotel sharing her experience at Habitat KK work site at Kampong Terawi, Penampang...

Tahir and his wall~~~

Tahir from Renaissance Kuala Lumpur gleefully establishing and claiming "territorial ownership" over his wall and his masterpiece ...it's commonly observed that many a volunteer take great delight at masonry and plastering work at our Habitat work site (they truly enjoy it), and also great pride in their individual and respective "work of art"~~~most of them jealously protect their section which they proclaim "My wall~~~don't disturb my work of art"
Taken on 26th Oct 2007 at Kampong Terawi, Penampang, Sabah, Malaysia.

Just call on me and I'll be back here for Habitat...

President Allen Tong of Habitat KK conducting live interview with each and every participant from Renaissance & Marriott Hotel Malaysia. Zaki from Renaissance Kota Bharu Hotel ,beng interviewed, says "I am having a great time at the work site and made many new friends. Just call on me anytime, and I'll be back here for Habitat..."

This is my piece of art: this is MY wall!

Uncle Low, the ever popular Uncle Low, at first glance seems a serious personality~he turned out to be fun and full of laughter. This is my wall, says Uncle Low. Let not anyone touch or disturb my piece of art...my little territory! Pix on 26th Oct 2007. Uncle Low is from the Renaisance Melaka Hotel.

Shall we dance? Cha Cha Cha...

All work and no play makes us dull. In playful disposition, Ramlan's stance represents the general fun and cheeerful atmosphere at the Habitat work site at Kampong Terawi, Penampang, where 21 volunteers from Renaissance & Marriott Hotel Malaysia are helping to build the new home for Habitat applicant Ms Sheila Justus. Pix taken on 26th Oct 2007. (Note: Ramlan is from the Renaissance Melaka Hotel)

A good workman sharpens his tools!

Indeed, it is only with clean, sharpened tools that one can do a fine job at a Habitat worksite. The volunteers from Renaissance & Marriott Hotel, Malaysia, implement daily discipline to clean all the tools and utensils at the end of each work day, and also to always keep the work site clean (and safe). Loose items are cleared off, walking path ways are kept safe etc, and every one watch out for each other's safety and well being...that's the way to go man! (At the Habitat KK work site at Kampong Terawi, Penampang on 26th Oct 2007)

Farewell to M.S Bobby!

M.S Bobby has led the team from Renaissance & Marriott for 3 year running to Habitat Kota Kinabalu. Thanks Bobby, for your heart, compassion and love for people. Bobby officially announced that she will be leaving to join Marriott Dubai in November 2007. May your future be always filled with joy, peace, laughter, blessings and abundance, Bobby! (Taken on 25 Oct 2007)

Souvenir for Habitat KK

M.S Bobby, leader of the Team, presenting a souvenir to President Allen Tong on 25 Oct 2007.

Flowers for Board Member

Board Member and Chairman of Public Relations for Habitat KK, Jeannette Tong (on right), receiving a bouquet of flowers from M.S Bobby, leader of the Renaissance & Marriott Team of volunteers at the get-together dinner on 25 Oct 2007

Certificate for every volunteer

Lian, leader of the team of 6 from Miri Marriott Resort & Spa, receiving his Certificate of Appreciation from Allen Tong, President of Habitat for Humanity Kota Kinabalu at the get-together dinner on 25 Oct 2007, watched by Habitat KK Director Ranen Bhattacharyya.

Another pix at the get-together dinner

Happy and waiting for dinner to be served. Let's get to know each other better! (25 Oct 2007)

Team Fellowship & Bonding at get-together dinner

The volunteers continue to bond and build friendship on the second day (nite) at the get-together dinner. They had anothe wonderful day at the worksite and here they are all ready to enjoy dinner together. (Taken on 25th Oct 2007)

Petite & Shy? Far from it: she is boundless with energy!

At first glance, Asyikin (or Syikin in short), from Renaissance Kota Bharu Hotel, appears shy; a first timer in Sabah, Syikin is filled with boundless energy and enthusiasm and is a great team member of the external plastering team at Kampong Terawi, Penampang. Pix taken at the get-together dinner at The Hut, KK on 25th Oct 2007.

Another Happy Face!

Ramlan, from Renaissance Melaka Hotel, is here in Sabah for the 1st time. He is doing plastering at the worksite. Here he is at the get-together dinner at "The Hut" Kota Kinabalu. Ramlan is a jovial and energetic volunteer and hopes that he will be given the chance to come again to help out in Habitat KK's programs. (Day 2 25th October 2007)

Happy faces at the get together dinner

Rosminah (Rose) from Renaissance Melaka: I am truly enjoying myself; I am happy because I can contribute to build a home for a family in Sabah.

Get together dinner on Day 2

A get together dinner was held on Day 2 at "The Hut", Kota Kinabalu, for participants to share their experience, where gifts (T-shirts etc), recognitions, and certificates were presented (25 Oct 2007).

Lunch break on Day 2-more pix

Relax and sit on the floor to enjoy the curry lunch from Krishna's Curry House nearby. (25 Oct 2007)

Lunch break on Day 2

Time to rest and recharge with food~~everyone looks forward to fellowship, fun and food during the lunch break! To nourish our bodies and recharge with renewed energy for the afternoon's work. (25 Oct 2007)

Integrating with the children of the village/home family

The 2 little boys, Raymond and his little brother, Owen, sharing some light moments with Bobby, Priya and Nik (taken on 25 Oct 2007)

Progressing well on Day 2

Rosiminah (Rose) is the only "rose among the thorns" in the toilet team...here she is placing the building blocks for the toilet wall. You can see she is concentrating on her work and is very purposeful. (Day 2 - 25th Oct 2007)

External Plastering

Fine work and concentration is required for this work. The volunteers took to it eagerly and learned fast. Well done! Syabas!

Toilet gang: the serious ones

Hee hee ~~~better make sure the wall is straight~~~otherwise susah lah! The toilet team is very serious about the quality of their toilet wall; just watching them is an inspiration! Keep it up Fellas!

Roofing gang on Day 2

This is the most technically demanding team~~the members work in true and smooth harmony helping each other, with constant smiles on their faces!! What fantastic team work!!Keep it up. Taken on Day 2 at the site at Kampong Terawi, Penampang (25 Oct 2007)

Plastering Gang on Day 2

Good weather and sunshine on Day 2 (25th Oct 2007): The plastering gang takes advantage of the good weather to power on~~~making great progress!!

The Toilet Gang

This is a serious team! The Toilet Gang! Must make sure the wall is straight. Taken on Day 1 (24th Oct 2007)~~watch the wall going up as they work...

Work starts on Day 1

The roofing gang and the external wall plastering gang at work on Day 1 (24th Oct 2007) at the Kota Kinabalu Habitat worksite at Kampong Terawi, Penampang.

Work starts: Getting sand for mixing cement

Learning to mix cement for the plastering work on Day 1 (24th Oct 2007): mixture of 3 full wheelbarrow of sand to 1 bagfull of cement: the volunteers learned fast and are able to work independently after a try or two.

Putting up the Renaissance Banner on Day 1

Day 1 at worksite: 24th Oct 2007: First things first. Our banner goes up, says the volunteers from Renaissance & Marriott Hotel Group, Malaysia.

I am the professional photographer!

Day 1 at the worksite(24th Oct 2007) at Kampong Terawi: Seen here is Ms Nik Adura (with camera) from Renaissance Kota Bahru Hotel, proactively claiming the role as the 'professional camerawoman' as soon as she arrives!

Arrive at the Work Site! Alas! Hey, this fits like a glove!

Day 1 of work (24th October 2007, Wednesday): After 25 minutes, the volunteers arrive at the worksite at Kampong Terawi, Penampang. Putting on work gloves to get ready for action. When you have not been to a Habitat worksite, you will keep wondering where it is, how far it is, how to get there, what to do when you get there etc etc. Well, the only way to find out is to TAKE ACTION!!

Hey! We are ALL on board ready to go to the Habitat worksite

All the volunteers from Renaissance & Marriott Hotel Group are now on board the bus ready to go to the Habitat worksite: Day 1 of work, 24th October 2007 (Wednesday), leaving Warisan Square at 8.30 am~~see how happy and eager they are! Their smiles bring more energy and synergy to the team!

Hey! We are first in the bus!

These 6 volunteers led by Lian had their breakfast early and were the first to get on the bus to take them to the Habitat worksite at Kampong Terawi, Penampang! They look really happy and energized~~Let's go baby!!

Here we go! To the Habitat worksite at Penampang!

Day 1 morning (24th Oct 2007): the volunteers are taking the mineral water to board the bus that will take them to the Habitat worksite at Kampong Terawi, Penampang, about half an hour away. Sudah makan, stomach happy, muscles well rested, and spirit eager...let's go~~~

Happy, Satisfied, Eager & Fully Charged Up!

Lian (in brown, leader of 6 volunteers from Miri Marriott Hotel & Spa) and Jefri (1st time volunteer from Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel) in happy mood seeen here in a shopping mall after the sumptuous Welcome Dinner in KK on 23rd Oct 2007. Both Lian & Jefri are enthusiastic and very excited to help build a Habitat home, and are eagerly awaiting the 'action' to start the next day!

Shopping for little tid-bits after Welcome Dinner in KK

After dinner browsing and shopping in a mall in Kota Kinabalu...Ms Nik Adura from Renaissance Kota Bahru...I am happy to be here in Kota Kinabalu to build yet another home for a Habitat home partner. Nik is the leader of a team of 4 from Renaissance Kota Bahru and this her 3rd visit to Kota Kinabalu. (Pix taken on 23rd October 2007, immediately after Welcome Dinner)

Some of the volunteers seen here happily and eagerly awaiting their welcome dinner to be served...with team leader M.S Bobby (seated, 3rd from right) next to Habitat KK Vice President Francis Chong (seated, 2nd right)...yummp...wonder what they are gonna serve...I am starving! (23rd October 2007 at a seafood restaurant in Kota Kinabalu)

Hey, can you pick up the peanuts with your chopsticks?

Skills alive! One of the volunteers from Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel showing his skills with the chopsticks...at the Welcome Dinner on 23rd October 2007 at a renown sea-food restaurant in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

Groups pix after welcome briefing

Group pix of volunteers from Renaissance & Marriott Hotel Group Malaysia, taken after the team's briefing by the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity, Kota Kinabalu, on 23rd October 2007 at the Radius International Hotel, Kota Kinabalu

Welcome briefing for Renaissance & Marriott Hotel Volunteers to Habitat KK

Pix shows Site & Construction Chairman Chris Lean briefing the 21 volunteers from Renaissance & Marriott Hotel Malaysia, with details of the 'do's and the don'ts' at the Habitat worksite...briefing held at 6.00 pm 23rd October 2007 at the meeting room of Radius International Hotel, Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu.

Renaissance & Marriott Hotel Group of Volunteers in Habitat Kota Kinabalu 3rd time in 3 years

The Renaissance & Marriott Hotel Group in Malaysia has landed once again in the city of Kota Kinabalu, led by M.S Bobby, with 21 volunteers from the group's hotel chain in Malaysia. This is the 3rd year in a row that the team is led by M.S Bobby. The voluntters will be helping to build a home at Kampong Terawi, Penampang, for a widow Ms Sheila Justus. Pix shows M.S Bobby with her team from the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel, having a delightful lunch at the Fish & Co at Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu, moments after they touched down on 23rd October 2007. The volunteers will be briefed at a Welcome Dinner on the same night by the KK Habitat Board of Directors led by its President Allen Tong.

Farewell Dinner for GV Team

A lovely farewell dinner for our wonderful volunteers from France: Presentation of Certificate to every participant

Group Picture

Global Village volunteers from Lille France: Group picture

Taking a rest with homeowner: getting to know you

Global Village volunteers with Habitat homeowner

Global Village: More pix of volunteers at KK Habitat Build sites

Digging the drainage system...hard work for the volunteers from France.

Global Village Team from EABJM Lille France to KK Habitat

WOW! Our very first Global Village team of volunteers came from France. A total of 14 students plus 3 teachers came from EABJM Lille, led by team leader Rajan. They spent 2 weeks in June/July 2007 in 2 separate Habitat build sites in Kota Kinabalu (One in Tamparuli and one in Penampang). They took the tasks to hand and managed to withstand the tough and hot tropical weather quite well. Truly remarkable. And you know something? They love the Malaysian food!! Some of the students can really take 'hot spicy stuff'. At first we were a bit wary about the work that was ahead but lo and behold, they were stupendous taking the tasks at hand and working with tremendous team spirit. Another good news: they are coming back again next year! This time with 31 volunteers. Let's all look forward to another great time of bonding and helping people in need of decent roof and housing over their heads. Syabas!

Asia Pacific Leadership Conference 26-28 Sept 2007

Habitat for Humanity held a tremendously successful 'Asia Pacific Leadership Conference' at the York Hotel in Singapore from 26th to 28th September 2007. Participants from several countries in which Habitat has a presence with its build activities and programs attended to share and learn from each other's experience. Several significant and impactful workshops were conducted by speakers from Habitat's HQ in Atlanta. The International Board of Directors of Habitat was well represented with top leaders coming to share, encourage and disseminate the latest programs and breakthroughs in the 31 year old international NGO. A gala dinner was held to recognize the contributions of many innovative and creative individuals. Picture shows many of the receipients on stage with their awards.