Henry Gurney bukan jalan mati bagi anak muda

Sekolah Henry Gurney (SHG) in Kuala Lumpur is not a place that confines young offenders to a life of crime. Instead, it provides second chances for the school's residents to build their future. Triyo Kurniawan Kusmadi, the principal of SHG Telok Mas, stresses that former residents are not confined to a banduan (detention) path because it can affect their ability to continue their education, secure employment, and start a new life.

Penghuni SHG are free from banduan, which is crucial. Even RELA members cannot hold a banduan record. That's why Triyo often discusses with the chief judge, to ensure that juvenile delinquents are sent to SHG. He believes these individuals still have a future here. Triyo takes pride in the achievements of former SHG residents who built successful careers as police officers, bomb experts, soldiers, tax collectors, immigration officers, and more.

They can choose any path they wish, having served almost two decades with the Malaysia Penjara Department.

SHG opens new doors for young offenders, ultimately leaving the decision to build their future up to them. SHG is not just a place for juvenile delinquents to serve their sentences, but also provides them with education and skill training through five clusters: academic, religious, sports, technical and vocational (TVET) education, and arts, culture, and music. When a new resident arrives, they undergo a diagnostic test to determine which cluster suits them best.

Upon arrival, former SHG residents are preparing a proposal for a competition as part of the 2026 Independence Day celebrations. The ultimate goal is to ensure they have the skills and confidence to return to society. At SHG, residents can learn Muay Thai, boxing, weightlifting, catering, pastry, automotive, electrical, and landscape skills. They can also play the violin or participate in an orchestra or choir, and even perform outside SHG.

Former SHG residents can learn violin and have the opportunity to perform in orchestras or choirs. Some programs even offer certificates recognized by the Skills Development Corporation (JPK), which can be used to continue their education at the diploma level. Triyo expressed pride in the achievements of former SHG residents who excelled in their SPM examinations, with one obtaining 8A in 2023 and two receiving 5A in 2024, along with 10 others continuing their education at the SPM and diploma levels.

Triyo urges the families of SHG residents not to lose hope, as they should not give up. As of the latest count, SHG Telok Mas houses 425 residents, consisting of 390 males and 35 females. This number is lower than the 800 to 900 residents before the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Triyo, sexual offenses, including rape and incest, constitute the highest category, accounting for 31%, followed by drug-related offenses and other offenses.

The SHG compound, surrounded by a spiral iron fence, may seem like a death sentence to some, but for Triyo, it is the starting point for a new future.