APU’s School of Foundation Empowers Refugee Students Through Inspiring Campus Visit and Skill-Building Workshops

The School of Foundation Studies (SoF) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) recently hosted a group of students from Elshaddai Refugee School for an unforgettable day of educational activities on campus. The event, which featured about 30 teenagers aged 12 to 16, was guided by 20 enthusiastic APU student volunteers and included three interactive sessions designed to engage, inspire, and provide a glimpse into university life.

The first session challenged the refugee students to build a bridge using only straws. Teams worked collaboratively, combining their creativity and critical thinking to construct impressive structures, with one group’s bridge successfully supporting five iPhones. The activity was a resounding success, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills among the students.

The excitement continued in the second session, where the students participated in a workshop on website building using Canva. Leveraging the digital literacy skills they had previously acquired, the refugee students eagerly applied their knowledge, designing their websites. This session marked their seventh interaction with APU volunteers – after three visits had been made to their school by APU students and teaching staff – and their progress was evident as they confidently navigated the web design process.

After a lunch break, the students embarked on a campus tour, exploring APU’s cutting-edge auditoriums, computer labs, and academic facilities. This exposure to a vibrant university environment ignited aspirations and dreams of pursuing higher education.

Dania Kaleem, a Level-8 student from Elshaddai Refugee School, shared her thoughts on the visit: "I was amazed by the vibrant, energetic, and peaceful environment. The volunteers were down-to-earth, and the time interacting with professors and students was enjoyable. This visit has broadened my perspective and fueled my ambition to excel in my studies and prepare for university life."

Another student, Sungh Sung, reflected on his experience: “My visit to APU was such a good experience. It was my first time visiting a university, and it has inspired me to work harder so I can study at a university one day. After visiting APU, I feel more motivated to study, and I hope to become a part of the university in the future. Thank you for this unforgettable experience!”

The APU student volunteers also gained valuable experiences from the event. Bilaal Munawwer, a Computing Technology Foundation Studies student, remarked, “Meeting the Elshaddai students was one of the most memorable events of my life. I was amazed by their English-speaking skills and their outgoing nature. They weren’t the only ones learning—this experience taught me so much too. I look forward to meeting them again.”

Similarly, Elianna Catrina Herrera, a Diploma in Information and Communication Technology student shared, “Volunteering for the refugee campus visit was a rewarding experience. It helped me sharpen my communication skills, as I learned how to engage with students of different ages. Spending time with the students made me more compassionate and grateful. I also improved my teamwork skills through collaboration with other volunteers to achieve shared goals.”

The event was supervised by two dedicated lecturers from SoF, Ms Iman Danish Sha and Ms Nur Azliyana Abdul Kadir, who helped ensure the smooth running of the event. Reflecting on the success of the day, Ms Iman Danish Sha remarked, "This event was meaningful as the exchange of knowledge and experience left a lasting impression on both the Elshaddai students and APU volunteers. It fostered a deeper sense of connection, learning, and inspiration for all involved." ​

​This impactful event exemplified APU’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Demonstrating their dedication to supporting the Elshaddai Refugee School, APU’s School of Foundation has been conducting monthly ESG-focused visits since January 2024, deepening their meaningful engagement with refugee students.

On August 23rd, 2024, a dedicated group of APU volunteers led a Resume Writing workshop, equipping the students with essential skills to enhance their future opportunities. The workshop, led by Ms Iman Danish Sha and Ms Nur Fatanahanis, provided step-by-step guidance on crafting compelling resumes that highlighted individual strengths, creating an interactive and impactful learning experience.

The refugee students, aged 12 to 16, actively participated in the session, engaging with a new batch of APU volunteers who began their service in August and will continue until October 2024. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and mutual learning, underscoring the success of APU’s ongoing efforts. These monthly initiatives have become a testament to APU’s unwavering dedication to empowering refugee students, fostering their personal and academic growth, and highlighting the positive impact of collaborative community outreach efforts.