Kill two birds with one stone; there is a way to beautify the city and empower its people at the same time. The creative initiative begins by employing former homeless and underprivileged people in the city to become tour guides.
This empowerment program is a partnership between AirAsia’s inflight magazine travel360.com with non-profit grassroots community organisation, Yellow House and the local authority Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) in making it possible.
From left to right: Yellow House Founder Shyam Priah, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur Executive Director Project Management Datuk Sr. Hj. Mohd Najib Bin Hj. Mohd, the 12th Mayor of Kuala Lumpur YBhg. Dato’ Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan and travel360.com CEO Spencer Lee unveiling the latest mural in Kuala Lumpur as part of the special partnership.
A Beneficial Synergy
Yellow House is a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of the homeless, urban poor and refugee communities in Kuala Lumpur. By incorporating Yellow House‘s ‘Unseen Tours KL’ project, travel360.co works with the non-profit to present an exclusive ‘travel360 Dance-walking Tour’ led by trained former homeless and underprivileged urban people as tour associates.
“Our tours are not about showing the poor side of Kuala Lumpur. In fact it’s the exact opposite based on the fact of who knows the streets better than our street friends. So in reality, we have simply turned the weakness of our street friends into strength by giving them an opportunity to create something that will uplift their life. It’s transformational, sustainable and it returns their dignity.” commented by Yellow House Founder Shyam Priah.
Making Street Friends
This experiential travelling journey is launched in hopes of integrating real communities and their stories with travellers across the globe.
The unique ‘travel360 Dance-walking Tour’ package includes interpretative dancing and flash mobs around local landmarks and back alleys in truly experiencing the sights, smells and sounds of Kuala Lumpur. While unravelling the unseen side of the urban city, one can also learn the history of Kuala Lumpur back to the late 19th century.
If you are up for a localised tour, you may purchase this feel-good tour at only RM85 per person on travel360.com or Yellow House websites.
Text by Jessy Wong
