APU psychology students and Student Well-Being Unit interns brought emotional literacy, encouragement and human connection to vulnerable youths at a Kuala Lumpur shelter, transforming classroom knowledge into meaningful community impact while nurturing the next generation of compassionate professionals.

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The Student Well-Being Unit of Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) recently joined hands with the School of Psychology (SoP) to conduct a Community Engagement and Well-Being Outreach Programme at the Shelter Home for Children in Kuala Lumpur. 

Held on 8 July 2026, the initiative brought together nine student volunteers from APU’s Diploma in Psychology programme and interns from the Student Well-Being Unit to support approximately 12 boys aged 13 to 17 at the shelter. 

Guided by Mr Mohamad Hilmi bin Mhd Najri, Lecturer at SoP, with the support of Ms Ameirunaisyah Ismail, Manager of the Student Well-Being Unit, and Ms Vinorra Shaker, Head of the School of Psychology, the initiative was led by Student Well-Being Unit intern Mr Shahsvendrasiva Varqa Ragu. 

The programme provided participating students with an invaluable opportunity to translate psychological theories into real-world community engagement, bringing together emotional resilience, compassion and service learning. 

Creating a Safe Space for Expression

To ensure high standards of safety and psychological care, the volunteers underwent a comprehensive preparatory briefing led by Shahsvendrasiva. The session aligned participants on child safeguarding, confidentiality and facilitator responsibilities, preparing them to conduct age-appropriate psychological activities with sensitivity and care. 

Drawing on developmental theories and practical psychoeducation, the volunteers created an engaging and supportive environment where the youths could explore emotional literacy, positive self-talk and social connectedness. 

Structured, hands-on activities were designed to build trust, enhance self-awareness and encourage teamwork while helping the teenagers overcome their initial hesitation. 

“Emotion Detective”, an interactive charades-based activity combined with guided reflection, encouraged participants to recognise and express different emotions while strengthening their emotional vocabulary and resilience.

Another highlight was the “Positive Plate” activity, which centred on self-worth, encouragement and mutual support. Participants first illustrated their personal strengths and sources of happiness before peers and facilitators added affirming messages to one another’s plates. The activity evolved into a powerful reminder that kindness and recognition from others can help strengthen confidence and a sense of belonging. 

Learning Through Genuine Human Connection

For the student volunteers and interns, the outreach demonstrated that professional psychological training is as much about empathy and human connection as it is about theoretical knowledge.

“One of the most meaningful moments was seeing every participant leave with a plate filled with kind words,” Shahsvendrasiva reflected. “It reminded me that simple encouragement can strengthen confidence and belonging, and that creating a safe, supportive environment is just as important as sharing psychological knowledge.”

Fellow Student Well-Being Unit intern Mr Shaqy Ezzra Minerva was equally moved by the gradual transformation he witnessed.

“The children were initially reserved, but they became increasingly comfortable and confident as the session progressed. It reinforced how empathy, patience and encouragement can make community engagement truly meaningful,” he said.

Diploma in Psychology student Fisiwe Luyanda Sihlongonyane appreciated the children’s enthusiasm and the encouragement provided by their caregivers, while fellow student Nur Iman Aimi Binti Mohd Saiful described the experience as rewarding, particularly as the children gradually opened up and actively participated in the activities.

Advancing Well-Being and the Sustainable Development Goals

Beyond its immediate community impact, the initiative supported several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). 

By promoting emotional well-being, advocating child safeguarding and strengthening institutional-community partnerships, the programme demonstrated that supporting mental health extends far beyond campus boundaries. 

The outreach concluded with the presentation of a token of appreciation to the shelter’s management in recognition of their warm hospitality and support. 

Ultimately, the programme created a vital and protective space for the children to recognise their strengths and experience positive social connection. At the same time, it offered APU students an invaluable empathetic learning journey, nurturing them to become compassionate, skilled and socially responsible future professionals who are prepared to make a tangible difference in the communities they serve.