Page 46 - MENDAKI Annual Report 2019

CELEBRATING SUCCESS IN DIVERSE FIELDS TOUCHING heARTS THROUGH THERAPY AMIRAH MUNAWARRAH BINTE IDILFITRI Amirah Munawarrah was one of the four talented youths who joined the ranks of illustrious alumnus of 79 award recipients when she was conferred the Anugerah Belia Cemerlang MENDAKI. The journey in pursuing a non-academic education pathway did not start easy as she had to struggle with the feeling of being inferior compared to those working in the corporate world. “I gradually accepted and learned that I am not competing with others but with myself to be better each day,” said the post-graduate in Master in Art Therapy at LASALLE College of the Arts. Amirah is the first recipient of the Anugerah Belia Cemerlang award in this field of study. A believer of the saying “There is no definite purpose for our dust-speck existence, so don’t stop searching”, Amirah believes in the rejuvenating experiences of volunteering. After completing her degree in psychology, she volunteered at the Riding for the Disabled Association Singapore and had the opportunity to work with individuals with mental health concerns. This sparked her interest to pursue art therapy and she continued to volunteer as an art instructor at ClubHEAL to gain experience in engaging with dementia and schizophrenia. In merging psychology and art together, she believes it is necessary to educate and advocate individuals on the importance of mental health, understanding of art therapy, and how it is suitable and powerful for individuals across all ages and background. “The benefits of creating and engaging in art of various forms are something that must be shared with others and I would love to have the honor of being a part of that by providing a safe space to explore the many opportunities in the future,” added Amirah.