Empowering Lives Through the 2-Way Special Educational Needs Camp

CSR Effort Fosters Understanding of Special Needs and Promotes Social Responsibility

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Mr Jaff Choong Gian Yong (2nd from right) and Ms Dhevaania (3rd from right) were joined by counterparts from the 2-Way Centre and six student volunteers from APU's School of Psychology in the annual CSR project: the 2-Way Special Educational Needs Camp for children and teenagers with special needs.

Aligning closely with the broader mission of the School of Psychology (SoP) at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) to raise awareness of psychology as a science, the School recently concluded its annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project, the 2-Way Special Educational Needs Camp.

Held from 9 to 12 December 2024 at Sayang di Kaki Bukit, Bukit Mertajam, Penang, this impactful four-day, three-night camp was organised in collaboration with the 2-Way Centre, a special education school in Gelugor, Penang. The initiative aimed to advance psychological knowledge among APU students, fostering their development as well-rounded, self-aware individuals prepared for sustainable career and life opportunities.

Led by Mr Jaff Choong Gian Yong and supported by Ms Dhevaania C. Gendsen, both faculty members of SoP, the camp’s objectives extended beyond academic learning. It sought to establish meaningful connections with external stakeholders and position the School as a leader in mental health and special education initiatives.

Six dedicated psychology students joined the faculty members to bring this vision to life, immersing themselves in hands-on experiences with special needs children and teenagers, particularly those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Since its inception in 2022, this yearly camp has been a cornerstone of SoP’s CSR efforts, consistently supported by APU’s management. The initiative aligns with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Throughout the camp, participants engaged in enriching activities such as water games, hiking, candle-making, popcorn-making, and a celebratory birthday party. A highlight was the use of Neuro-Dramatic Play (NDP), an innovative approach that fosters emotional growth and creative self-expression in children. These experiences offered student volunteers invaluable insights into supporting special needs individuals, equipping them with essential skills like empathy, patience, and adaptability.

The activities were carefully designed to encourage bonding and self-expression, creating a safe and supportive environment for the children while offering transformative learning experiences for the student volunteers. Parisa Sadat Bizeh, a Year-3 psychology student and four-time participant, reflected, “This was a touching experience, filled with cherished memories among wonderful people, despite the bittersweet emotions of farewell.”

Lecturer Ms Dhevaania emphasised the profound impact of the programme in fostering inclusivity, understanding, and personal growth for participants. “This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration in building a more equitable and compassionate society. It has been a privilege and joy to contribute to such a meaningful experience alongside Mr Jaff, whose dedication has been instrumental in the success of the 2-Way Camp over the years,” she shared.

As the 2-Way Special Educational Needs Camp continues to thrive, its legacy of service and advocacy grows stronger. Concluding the event, Mr Jaff Choong remarked, “This programme exemplifies how collaboration and empathy can drive lasting change. We are proud to carry forward this tradition, empowering future generations to create a more inclusive world.”