Henry Gurney bukan jalan mati bagi anak muda

Sekolah Henry Gurney (SHG) in Petaling Jaya is not a prison for juvenile delinquents but a chance for young offenders to rebuild their lives. Triyo Kurniawan Kusmadi, the SHG manager, stated that former SHG residents are not labeled as delinquents because they may face difficulties in continuing their education, securing employment, and building a new life, especially if they have a criminal record.

The SHG residents are free to become whatever they aspire to be, and many have successfully transitioned into careers such as police officers, bomb disposal experts, soldiers, customs officers, and immigration officers. SHG provides a comprehensive education and skill training through five clusters, including academic, religious, sports, technical and vocational education, and arts, culture, and music.

Upon the arrival of a new resident, they undergo diagnostic testing to determine which cluster best suits them. The ultimate goal is to equip them with skills and confidence to return to society, according to Triyo. At SHG, residents have the opportunity to learn Muay Thai, boxing, weightlifting, culinary arts, pastry making, automotive, electrical, and landscape skills.

They can also learn to play the violin, participate in an orchestra or choir, and may be invited to perform outside SHG. SHG residents can earn a certificate recognized by the Department of Skills Development, which can be used to continue their education at the diploma level. It is clear from Triyo's stories that the former SHG residents are proud of their achievements, such as one who scored 8A in SPM and is now pursuing law at Universiti Utara Malaysia, and another who scored 5A in 2024 and is continuing their education at the SPM and diploma levels.

Triyo urges the parents of SHG residents to continue supporting them, as they should not give up. When interviewed, SHG Telok Mas housed 425 residents, consisting of 390 males and 35 females, a decrease compared to around 800 to 900 residents before the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Triyo, the highest category of criminal offenses includes sexual misconduct, accounting for 31%, followed by drug-related offenses and other offenses.

The SHG facility, surrounded by a colorful steel fence, is not a dead end but a starting point for building a new future. The police department, SHG, and society have worked together to accept and now it is up to the residents to choose their life path.