Katrina Marie Fernandez

Hi, firstly I would like to introduce myself. My name is Katrina, Kat for short. I was first inspired to pursue this project when I was in my first year of my Bachelors in Engineering. You see, growing up I've always wanted to become an entertainer be it a radio announcer or an actress, as long as it was in the entertainment line. However, because I was never exposed to these opportunities to learn more about the entertainment industry, I did not have the confidence to pursue it. Therefore I took the more predictable route of becoming an Engineer as it was always the second passion of mine. While pursuing my degree, I went through some tough times which resulted in having to work two different jobs while studying at the same time. One of the jobs I did part-time was tutoring at a local centre. I tutored kids of the age of 10-16 and soon realised that these kids were going through the same thing I was going through when I was about their age. They weren't given the opportunity to learn the things they were truly interested in. So I asked myself, why isn't anyone providing these kids mentorship in their interests? If we could hone their skills at this age imagine the accomplishments they can achieve when they're much older! These interest can be anything be it, cooking, robotics, programming, entertaining the possibilities are endless. Who knows, the next Tesla could be 12 years old if only he had a way of learning and acquiring knowledge more! 

The funds will be used to start up the centre where children of the age of 10 -17 will be able to participate in various classes according to their interest. Since this is a new market in Malaysia, we have decided to start small classes. The tutors will be hired via an online website and the tutors will be assessed personally by us to ensure that the children will be able to fully utilise their expertise. The bulk of the RM10,000 will be for the initial space which will cost around RM6000 - RM7000 in the Klang Valley. The money will also be spent on resources for the children. However, we are hoping to gain sponsorship for this from different bodies. All further funds for sustaining the program will be from the students. 

To know more about us please follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ignitoed for live updates and cool feeds! 

The challenges that we will be facing is mainly, marketing this idea to the general public of Malaysia. This is because, in Malaysia, we have a preconceive notion that education should only come from school and the textbooks they provide as well as ace-ing every important exam out there. However, every individual is different and every individual has their own interest and their own skills they wish to develop which may not be taught in government schools here. Therefore, in order to overcome this challenge, we have set up a more 'in the now' means of marketing this service that will grab the attention of the children as well as parents so that they are aware that they have this opportunity for them. We have an instagram, twitter as well as a Facebook account and we're hoping to revolutionise the face of education in Malaysia.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ignitoed