What started out as a group of avid readers and movie buffs, Buku Jalanan JB (BJJB) is now known as Kolektivist – a collective of minds that helps the urban poor and less fortunate overcome their growing issues.
Founded in 2012 by then youth figurehead Firdaus Ahmad, Buku Jalanan JB was predominantly a book and movie club which held discussions and gatherings to promote culture in Johor. However, over time the group saw the need to transform itself from an intellectual gathering of minds into a humanitarian group.
“At first we started small, we approached orphanages, provided food for the children as well as played some traditional games to entertain and cheer them up. Over time, BJJB rebranded into Kolektivist. It was this moment on that we steered the organisation towards becoming a social group targeting not just the urban poor but any needy person from all walks of life,” said Nadirah binti Amran who is a seasoned coordinator for Kolektivist.
She explained that after years of conducting children related programmes, they have specialised in providing education and counselling to encourage children to choose suitable career paths for their future. Because of this, other organisations began to collaborate with Kolektivist with one such programme being the Baraqah School Project, which aims to teach art to the children of Bazaar Karat traders, a move seen to encourage them to stay off the streets and nurture their talents.
“We don’t do big events; the way we work is to just do it. It’s not about public perception, it’s about doing good and we want to reach out and make a change. We are self-sufficient and we try not to accept funding from any organisation because they might have a corporate agenda that goes against ours,” Nadirah added.
Kolektivist is proud to say that its programmes have always left a positive impact to those who come and those who volunteer, adding that without a platform like this, it would be hard to reach out to as many people as possible.
“The feeling of giving is special; it impacts you at the core. It sparks the need in us to help the community. When we started, I would have never thought that I would be able to help the homeless get their own homes, help children to go to school, and feed those who need it. Changing the lives of a few people will always be a driver in Kolektivist,” said Nadirah.
