Embracing Mahatma Gandhi's wisdom that "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others," the APU School of Foundation (SoF) completed its second monthly routine of the year-long Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project.
On February 20th, the SoF concluded its CSR initiative at the Serdang Refugee Alternative Learning Centre, aiming to infuse joy and engaging activities into the lives of refugee students, fostering a positive and supportive environment.
While the CSR project created a joyous atmosphere, it also brought attention to the challenges faced by the refugee students in their learning space. These resilient children shared their educational environment with a makeshift kitchen, underscoring their limited resources. The absence of proper chairs and tables further highlighted their daily hardships.
To uplift these refugees—undocumented and stateless children without access to formal government schools—APU student volunteers, guided by their lecturers from SoF, Ms Iman Danish Sha, Mr Muhammad Danish Mohd Johari, and Mr Muhammad Ma'wa Abdul Aziz, designed various activities during the visit, including the local game "Eagle Catch Chicken."
The genuine joy on the faces of the refugee children served as a testament to their resilience and appreciation for the efforts of the APU volunteers. The project's heartwarming aspect was the initiative taken by APU students who went beyond the call of duty, sharing their snacks and prizes with the refugee community.
“This gesture reflected not only generosity but also a genuine desire to create meaningful connections and uplift the spirits of those in need,” described Ms Iman Danish Sha, the Head of this CSR Project.
Preparations for this CSR project were meticulous, with APU students meeting weekly to brainstorm ideas and plan activities. This collaborative effort ensured the event's efficiency and smooth execution on February 20th.
The commitment and dedication of both APU volunteers and SoF lecturers were evident, showcasing their genuine passion for making a positive impact in the community. As SoF APU continues its commitment to social responsibility, the upcoming visit on March 20th promises another opportunity for fostering connection, providing support, and creating lasting memories for both APU students and the refugee community.
The experience of witnessing the challenging learning conditions faced by refugee children has further fueled the determination of the volunteers to advocate for improved educational facilities and address the pressing needs of these deserving young learners.
To ensure privacy protection for the refugee children, their faces have been deliberately blurred out in any documentation or media shared regarding the initiative, including this feature.