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ARCHIVAL OF THE ARTS: VOLUNTEERING AT ILHAM GALLERY

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ARCHIVAL OF THE ARTS: VOLUNTEERING AT ILHAM GALLERY

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NURWAHIDA BINTI TAJUL ARIFF

A195926

8/8/2025

1. What have you done?

I had a pretty late start of the week as Ilham gallery opens on Tuesdays, 11 am. As it was my first day there, the manager of Ilham gallery to met up with me to show me around for my job as a gallery sitter. As soon as she showed me around, I was assigned to a spot and got started. On Friday though, I was sent with their 'SKOLA GAMBAR' team to SK SERI BONUS at Jalan Ayer Keroh to help them set up their truck and to manage the flow of students going to and fro the trucks.

2. Points to remember from week 1!

Points that I should remember from week 1 would be that there is a different type of professionalism required when you're working in a corporate centered place and to always ask your scope of job properly.

3. Your feelings & thoughts

I felt very excited to start the volunteering program as this was my one opportunity to surround myself with art before having to plunge neck deep into studying medicine.However,I also a bit apprehensive at the thought of being in an unfamiliar environment where the people have no similarities with me other than their interest in art. Throughout the week , I slowly started assimilating myself and started having fun going to work.

4. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

There is some difficulty navigating office politics in the gallery as there are people with vastly different backgrounds working together multiple days a week for hours on end. I managed to cope by trying not to involve myself in the office politics and playing nice with everyone.

5. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far

Exciting and unpredictable!

6. Your plan for next week (Week 2)

I plan to get to know my coworkers more and try to assimilate myself into the gallery as soon as possible.

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ELYSSA VEIRA ANAK MICHAEL LISED

A196308

21-25/07/2025

1. What have I done?

It was the first week of me and my two friends volunteering at a non-governmental organization (NGO) called Wishesland that focuses on therapy for children with cerebral palsy (CP). For those first few days, we were introduced to how the NGO operates, including the types of therapy that they perform as well as the spectrum of patients that they receive.

We got to observe and even assist in the physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions as well as play or interact with the kids when possible.

We also learned that even though Wishesland is mostly known to advocate for CP, they also take in those with other developmental disorders such as Global Developmental Delay (GDD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and even Angelman Syndrome as well as Dandy-Walker Syndrome. Other than that, although most of their patients are children, they also cater for adult patients ranging from 19 to 26 years of age who have been under the care of Wishesland ever since they were little.

Plus, we talked to some of the parents/caregivers to know more about the backstories of the patients.

2. Points to remember from week 1

Wishesland caters for patients with cerebral palsy (which in itself has a few types) and also for other kinds of developmental disorders.

There are not that many staff members at Wishesland: there are only two physiotherapists as of that time.

The therapy sessions (especially physiotherapy) are catered to the type and extent of disability that the patients have. Hydrotherapy is a fun activity in which the patients get to play or move about in the pool where they can move more easily due to the buoyant nature of water.

3. My feelings and thoughts

I feel grateful for the opportunity to get at least a glimpse of the lives of these children and of those close to them.

Listening to the stories of the parents/caregivers and watching the physiotherapists at work made me admire and respect them for the time, care, and patience that they have put in to make sure that these children receive the best treatment so that they can gain the strength and ability that are closest to what might be considered as "normal".

4. Difficulties/concerns and how I coped

It was a little saddening at times seeing the kids when they cry due to exhaustion or maybe even pain. Stories from the parents were also emotional at times. There was not much that I could do apart from turning the feeling of sadness into respect towards both the patients and their parents instead. I would also pat the children’s heads or rub their backs to hopefully soothe them a little.

5. 2 words to describe my EP progress so far

Insightful and impactful

6. My plan for week 2

In Week 2, I plan to be more actively involved during the physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions by assisting the therapists when appropriate. I also hope to interact more with the children to better understand their needs and personalities. In addition, I want to learn more about the physiotherapists’ approaches and ask questions about the goals and progression plans for different patients. If possible, I would also like to speak with more parents/caregivers to gain further insight into the challenges that they face at home.

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1. Your name, matric number, and date

Zarith Hani Binti Muhammad Zairi

A196874

4/8/2025-8/8/2025

2. What have you done?

During my first week at HALUAN’s headquarters in Bangi, I began with an orientation session led by our supervisor, Cik Farhana, who outlined the organization's mission, values, and overall structure. She highlighted how the various departments, ranging from healthcare and disaster relief to education and social welfare, collaborate to deliver aid to communities in Malaysia and abroad. This introduction gave me a strong sense of the importance of HALUAN’s work. Over the week, I participated in a variety of activities, most notably the preparations for the upcoming Palestine Solidarity Event. My responsibilities included assisting with logistics, packing and organizing supplies, and putting up posters to help with publicity. I also worked with the finance team to support administrative duties such as sorting records, filing documents, and cross-checking invoices, which helped me appreciate the transparency in non-profit organizations. In addition, I contributed to creating marketing materials, which reinforced the role of public engagement in advancing humanitarian causes. Overall, my first week was a well-rounded experience, giving me the chance to observe, learn, and actively contribute to both the visible and behind-the-scenes efforts of HALUAN’s operations.

3.⁠ ⁠Points to remember from week 1!

One important lesson I gained is that humanitarian work extends beyond direct service. The behind-the-scenes aspects, such as financial management and logistics, are equally essential in ensuring smooth and effective operations.

Another key point is that no task should be underestimated. Whether it involves packing supplies or handling accounts, every role plays a significant part in supporting the wider mission of serving communities in need.

In addition, I realized the importance of adaptability when facing unfamiliar tasks. Being willing to learn and adjust quickly is necessary to contribute effectively in a dynamic environment.

4.⁠ ⁠Your feelings & thoughts

This first week left me feeling inspired and motivated, as I witnessed the dedication of volunteers and realized how much effort goes into ensuring transparency and efficiency within an NGO. The experience reminded me of medicine, where teamwork, accurate documentation, and attention to detail are just as essential for patient safety and quality care. I also saw how every contribution, no matter how small, plays a role in achieving larger goals, much like in clinical practice, where even basic tasks support positive patient outcomes. Most importantly, engaging in humanitarian work deepened my appreciation for empathy and community engagement, values that are equally vital in delivering patient-centered care.

5.⁠ ⁠Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

One of the main challenges I faced during the first week was adjusting to administrative and financial tasks, as they required precision, consistency, and close attention to detail. At times, the volume of documentation felt overwhelming, and I was concerned about making errors. To cope, I sought guidance from the finance team, observed their methods, and practiced step by step until I gained more confidence.

6.⁠ ⁠2 words to describe the elective posting progress so far

Insightful and Fulfilling

7.⁠ ⁠Your plan for next week (Week 2)

For the upcoming week, I plan to be more actively involved in the final preparations for the Palestine Solidarity Event, including registration, logistics, and setup. I will also support the finance team in monitoring expenses and later assist with cleanup and financial reporting. I will join the standby ambulance team for the first time, which will give me valuable exposure to emergency preparedness and on-site medical support. This experience will strengthen my teamwork while also highlighting the importance of readiness and accountability principles that closely parallel safe patient care in the medical field.

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ANIS SYUHADA BINTI NOOR AZMAN SHAH

A194612

29/6/2025- 3/7/2-25

2. What have you done?

On the first day, I waited to meet my supervisor Puan Juita in front of Unit Promosi Kesihatan Bandar Sungai Petani around 8am. My first task was to meet with all of the workers there and report my duty to the head of Unit Promosi Kesihatan which is Puan Azira. I am grateful that I was given a chance to volunteer at Wellness Hub Kuala Muda where I was greeted with open arms by my supervisor, Puan Juita, a Health Education Officer. Puan Juita brought me around the Wellness Hub and took a look at the gym equipment and services provided by Wellness Hub. There were many gym equipment provided there such as the gym ball, treadmills, dumbbells and weightlifting machine. All of those equipment are free to be used by anyone on weekdays from 8am to 6pm.  I learned how to use most of the equipment there and was taught how to use the InBody Machine.

During my first week, I was exposed to the activity for iFITER (I Fit and Eat Right), a program that aims to manage body weight of the participants through weekly workout and healthy food diet. Most of them are in obese category and were eager to lose weight within this 12 weeks program. They also introduced me to Kelas Warga Emas which aim to keep the elderly healthy by doing simple exercise. During those activities, I carefully observed the activity executed so that I could join them later in the upcoming week. I was only tasked to help with the registration using MySejahtera app.

Besides that, I also went to Taman Jubli Perak with the team to survey the area for the Wellness On Wheels (WoW) program, where I was later assigned to supervise a game called Lava Walk during the program. Wellness on Wheels program is basically a moveable Wellness Hub, where they tour around the state to conduct health programs during the weekend. Some of the activities done are morning aerobic for one hour, health talk by an NGO such as Yakult company and health assessment. Other than that, I was introduced to iFITER (I Fit and Eat Right), a program that aims to manage body weight of the participants through weekly workout and healthy food diet. I was also involved in the behind the scenes of podcast by Wellness Hub Kuala Muda about the myths and facts of obesity in Malaysia.

3. Points to remember from week 1!

- It is important to build a good rapport with the team.

- It is important to know the activities conducted thoroughly at the working place before conducting any of the sessions.

- It is important to know the proper usage of gym equipment.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

During this first week, it is obvious that I was scared at first because this is my very first time stepping into a working environment and there was a lot to expect, but I was all relieved as my supervisor Puan Juita was so friendly and willingly guided me throughout the week. Along with me was Puan Nadia who was just around my age and she always makes me feel comfortable and never leaves me alone. The working environment there also was very calming and friendly but at certain times it was chaotic because we have to handle elderly. I thought that it was a great opportunity and experience that I will personally enjoy in the upcoming weeks.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

I face some difficulties whereby I did not know how to operate some of the machines at Wellness Hub such as InBody machines. I then asked help from Puan Juita and Puan Nadia to teach me how to use the InBody machine and how to interpret the result. There was also one time where I didn't know how to operate the PA system during the aerobic class for the elderly. However, the worker helped me out and after that I already got used to it and was able to operate it by myself.

6. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far

Interesting and bonding.

7. Your plan for next week (Week 2)

I would like to learn the steps to the chairobic exercise and try to engage more with the elderly who come for Kelas Warga Emas.

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Volunteering at Rumah Amal Kulim (OKU Home/Daycare)

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Volunteering at Rumah Amal Kulim (OKU Home/Daycare)

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Name: NIVNASSREE A/P KARMEHAM

Matric No: A195386

Date: 6/7/2025

2. What have you done?

During the first week of my elective posting at Rumah Amal Kulim, I spent time familiarizing myself with the daily routines and environment of the home. I was attached to Cikgu Siti, who is in charge of the arts and crafts sessions for the OKU students. I assisted her with preparing materials, engaging the students in activities, and helping them express themselves creatively. I also spent time interacting with the residents and getting to know them better. By the end of the week, I had built good rapport with many of the students and felt more comfortable in the setting.

3. Points to remember from Week 1!

Patience and empathy are essential when working with OKU individuals.

Simple acts of kindness and attention go a long way in building trust.

Arts and crafts can be a powerful tool for communication and therapy.

Learning from experienced staff like Cikgu Siti helps in understanding how to adapt to each individual’s needs.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement at the beginning of the week, but those feelings quickly turned into joy and gratitude. Spending time with the residents reminded me of the importance of compassion and human connection in medicine. I also felt inspired by the dedication of the caregivers and teachers at the home. This experience opened my eyes to the different forms of care outside a typical clinical setting.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

Initially, I was unsure how to approach and communicate with some of the students, especially those who were non-verbal or had more complex needs. I overcame this by observing how Cikgu Siti and the other staff interacted with them and slowly building my confidence. Being present, patient, and showing genuine interest helped me gain their trust.

6. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far

Eye-opening & rewarding

7. Your plan for next week (Week 2)

Next week, I plan to take on a more active role during the arts and crafts sessions. I hope to lead a simple activity under Cikgu Siti’s guidance and continue building relationships with the students. I also want to learn more about the daily care routines and assist with them where possible to better understand the holistic needs of the residents.

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Giving Time, Gaining Wisdom: The Power of Volunteering with Seniors

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Giving Time, Gaining Wisdom: The Power of Volunteering with Seniors

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Nur 'Adam Haikal Bin Hamdan

A194890

(4/8/25 - 8/8/25)

2.⁠ ⁠What have you done?

I am currently volunteering at one of the old folks' homes that is located at Jalan Cheras that is called Rumah Seri Kenangan (RSK) Cheras. This home is registered with the government body under the Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat unit and currently has about 90+ residents here that are coming from different races which are Malay, Chinese and Indians. This home has provided care, treatment and protection for the residents who are underprivileged in the aims of giving the best quality of life and well being of the elderly here. In the first week since I arrived here, I was given the opportunity to meet the head of management of the Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras, Encik Zamzuri in which in the meeting Me and my friends have discussed a lot of topics, which are the schedule of the residents here, the do and don'ts in this home and many more topic we have discussed together that brings us to build a good rapport with the staff here in this home. Other than that , we were also given the opportunity to have a chat with our supervisor, En Anuar, in which he introduced us to the facility and staff here in RSK and he placed us in the clinic on our first day of starting volunteering here. As for the next following days, Me and my friends are on our daily routine by starting to go each of the resident houses for male to monitor their blood pressure, Oxygen level and do some weight with the equipment from the clinic, and after have gathered the information from the resident we went back to the clinic to compile all the data and inform the nurses in the clinic about our data to them. Other than that, I was also given the opportunity to help one of the senior volunteers here,Miss Kobayashi, in which we were doing fun activities with the resident here by doing some colouring, solving math puzzles and even doing cross word with the resident here. On other days, we were also helping Miss Kobayashi with her zumba session by inviting other residents to join the zumba.

3. Points to remember from week 1!

I have learned that this home is fully funded by the government body and the home has almost served up to more than 20 years of its service. Other than that this house is already occupied with more than 90+ residents with different backgrounds and races namely Malay, Chinese and Indians. I also learned that this home has a systematic operation where they have a body that is called (Pembantu Perawatan Kesihatan) PPK in which their duty is to provide and monitor the old folks' needs for almost 24 hours.

Other than that, I have also learned that communication builds the relationship with another person. With the appropriate approach and technique, I think it would not be a problem when it comes to communicating with an elderly. I believe my communication with the residents here will become more enhanced as I can understand what they are talking and at the same time become a great listener who listens to their story along the way in this posting.

4.⁠ ⁠Your feelings & thoughts

My feeling when I start my posting here is kind of overwhelming at first as I have these inner thoughts of “What if the people there do not appreciate me ?” , “What if they think that we are bothering them ?” and many more. But as the days came along in the first week I soon realized that actually the residents here are welcoming us with open arms. This has made me more warmed and joyful to be a part of the volunteering team here in the old folk’s home. Everyday, when we walked pass the resident here, they always greet us with ‘Good Morning’ and even they stopped by to us just to have a little chat about ourselves, this make me feel more appreciated and i could see the resident here are more happy to be receiving guest so that they could get along very well at the end of the day.

5.⁠ ⁠Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

Of course when we are talking about elderly, the most challenging part is always interacting with them. Some of the residents here are having hearing, sight problems, or even speaking words that are difficult to understand. But as time goes by, I have come to terms with these problems and have got used to it. I would try to make myself understand and be clear of what they are saying so that I could build good rapport and be close to the residents here along the way.

Another challenge that I have experienced through this one week of posting is that I found out that this home has a well-organized schedule that has been set out by the home itself plus the handful of staff that are working here. At first I thought it would be impossible to find a work other than doing our daily routine of health check up for the residents here since it its well organised, but this problem have been solved by trying to ask around the staff here the help that we could offer to them, and the staff here are really nice as they gave us the opportunity to not only helping them to reduce their burden of work but also serve the community here in Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras. This also has given us the opportunity to lay out some plans of work for us to do here for the next 3 weeks of elective posting here in the old folk’s home.

6.⁠ ⁠2 words to describe elective posting progress so far

Great & Eye-opening !

7.⁠ ⁠Your plan for next week (Week 2)

My plan for the next week of elective posting is to continue the daily routine of health checkup with the residents here as their dorms are divided into men and women. We plan to do the Women dorm as this week we are going to settle the men’s. Other than that, I also planned to follow some of the residents who are having their appointments at the Hospital or Clinic (TCA) and help them to get through the day without any problem. I also planned to help the canteen staff in preparing meals for the resident as their meal time always start at 11:30am.

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WEEK 1 VOLUNTEERING AT TEMPLE

1. Brindda A/P Sundram (A197012 )

4th - 8th August

2. What have i done

During my first week, I helped clean the temple in preparation for the upcoming festival month. I also attended a briefing from the head of the garland department and the deity kitchen department, where I learned more about their respective services and responsibilities. In addition, I worked on editing a few social media post for the festival.

3. Points to remember for Week 1

During Week 1, I learned the importance of teamwork and clear communication in ensuring smooth preparations for the festival. I also gained a better understanding of the different departments in the temple and their unique responsibilities, as well as the need for patience and attention to detail when learning new skills like garland-making and decoration.

4. My feelings and thoughts

I felt genuinely happy to be part of the temple cleaning, as it gave me a sense of connection and purpose. It was also exciting to learn new skills and be actively involved in the preparations for the temple festivals.

5. Any difficulties, and how i coped

In Week 1, I found it challenging to adapt to the fast-paced festival preparations and learn new procedures in each department. I coped by asking questions, observing others, and slowly building confidence.

6. 2 words to describe

Overwhelming, grateful

7. For Week 2, I plan to learn how to make garlands, cook dishes for the deities, and help with decorating the temple for the festival. I am looking forward to gaining more hands-on experience and deepening my involvement in the preparations

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Gray Minimalist Friends Mood Photo Collage

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GUIDING YOUNG HEARTS AT SALVATION ARMY BOYS HOME

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GUIDING YOUNG HEARTS AT SALVATION ARMY BOYS HOME

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1. Your name, matric number, date

ADRIAN SELVAN A/L ANTHONI S.SELVAN (A195616)

(4/8/25-7/8/25)

2. What have you done?

I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to volunteer at the Salvation Army Boys Home in Ipoh, which houses approximately 13 boys between the ages of 10 and 19.The Salvation Army Boys Home in Ipoh is a residential care facility dedicated to supporting boys from underprivileged or challenging family backgrounds. It offers a stable, nurturing environment where the boys receive shelter, education support, life skills training, and emotional guidance. The home aims to instill positive values, build self-confidence, and equip the boys to lead responsible, independent lives.

Before starting my volunteering, I was given several important topics to prepare and present to the boys, including Puberty Changes, Sex Education, Personal Hygiene and its Importance, Nutrition, Mental Health, Basic Health Screening (such as how to check blood pressure and glucose levels), and Mentoring and Role Modelling. I was informed by the home supervisor that my sessions would be held between 3 PM to 8 PM from Monday to Thursday. I was quite eager and excited as this was my first experience volunteering at a boys' home.

On the first day, upon arrival, I received a 20-minute briefing from the supervisor about the expectations, the general flow of the home, and the do’s and don’ts while working with the boys. Afterwards, I was introduced to the boys, who were just as excited to meet me. Since it was the first day, I wanted to keep things light. I conducted a short ice-breaking session and played the “Two Truths and One Lie” game, which they enjoyed very much. Before ending the day, I gave them a creative task to draw something about themselves and prepare to share it the next day — this helped me understand them better as individuals.

Over the next few days, I conducted various sessions tailored to the age groups. I delivered separate talks on topics such as masturbation, sex education, and puberty changes for both lower and upper secondary boys. I noticed that some of them wanted to open up personally, so I made time for one-on-one conversations to give them a safe space to talk. I also carried out interactive activities such as a budgeting task where they had to create a mock weekly shopping list with an RM100 limit — a simple way to help them build decision-making and life skills.

Each day, from 5 PM to 6 PM, I joined the boys in playing badminton, football, and basketball, which helped us bond further. After their evening break for showers and dinner, I rejoined them at 7 PM for their devotion session. It was a meaningful time where we sang worship songs, prayed, and listened to a sharing by either the home supervisor or an invited pastor.

3. Points to remember from week 1!

Firstly, it is essential to understand and respect the rules or norms of any place we visit or engage with. As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” — adapting ourselves to the environment and culture allows for better communication and mutual respect. This mindset was particularly important when working with the boys, as it helped build trust and understanding from the start.

Secondly, teenagers should be given the space and freedom to express themselves. Allowing them to share their thoughts and emotions openly creates a supportive and safe environment. I found that when they were given a chance to speak, many of them were eager to share their experiences — some even approached me personally to talk about things they had been holding in.

Thirdly, it is vital that topics such as sex education are introduced at an appropriate age — ideally around 13, when puberty typically begins. Teaching these subjects early helps boys understand the physical and emotional changes they go through, and more importantly, equips them with the knowledge to differentiate between right and wrong. This is especially crucial for boys who come from challenging or broken backgrounds, such as those in residential homes, where proper guidance is sometimes lacking.

Lastly, I have come to realize that every child is different. During my time with the boys, I learned to manage a wide range of behaviors, especially among those who are still maturing emotionally and mentally. Patience, observation, and understanding were key in finding effective ways to communicate and connect with each one of them according to their unique personality and needs.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

On the first day, I experienced a mix of emotions — fear, nervousness, and excitement all at once. However, upon arriving and seeing the boys for the first time, those feelings slowly faded and were replaced with a deep sense of eagerness. I felt determined to give my best throughout this four-week posting, regardless of the challenges, as long as I could bring some form of positive change into their lives.

Each day, the smiles on the boys’ faces when they saw me truly lit up my heart. It became one of the main motivations that kept me going. Their warmth and energy inspired me to do everything I could to keep them happy, engaged, and learning. That daily connection encouraged me to be fully present and give my best during every session and interaction.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

The main challenge I faced was learning how to engage boys of different ages and varying personalities. Some were eager to listen, others preferred to talk more than listen, while a few were mostly interested in playing. I decided to take this as a learning opportunity and approached it as a challenge. To keep everyone involved, I structured my sessions to include a healthy balance of all three elements — interactive games, open sharing sessions where everyone had a chance to speak, and sports activities afterwards. This approach helped capture their attention and made the sessions more enjoyable and meaningful for all.

6. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far

Eye-opening. Seeing boys from broken families living without care and love truly moved me.
I had to hold back my emotions, but inside it was heartbreaking.
It made me realize how privileged many of us are to have a family.
There are so many out there in need — love, support, or simply someone who cares.
Those who can help, even in small ways, really should.

Exciting. Being in a new environment with new people was exciting from day one.
In just a few days, the boys started feeling like little brothers.
Their cheeky behavior, curious questions, and drawings kept things fun.
It made me happy to see them open up and trust me.
Even better, they were willing to listen and learn from the sessions.

7. Your plan for next week (Week 2)

For the upcoming week, I plan to begin with a session on Nutrition, focusing on the importance of eating right. Activities such as a “Food Sort” game (Healthy vs Junk), a spelling bee or quiz, and a group discussion titled “What I Ate Today” will help make the session interactive and engaging. These activities are aimed at encouraging the boys to reflect on their eating habits and make better food choices.

Next, I will conduct a practical workshop covering Brushing, Bathing, and Wearing Clean Clothes, along with an introduction to basic First Aid everyone should know. An interactive board titled “Healthy Habits” will allow the boys to contribute their own ideas. In addition, they will take part in role-playing hygiene-related situations and receive help with their homework, ensuring both learning and application of daily health routines.

Later in the week, the focus will shift to Mental Health and Time Management. Activities include a talk on coping with emotions, journaling exercises like “I feel proud when…”, and a group circle to express how they feel. I also plan to introduce a daily planner template, followed by reading sessions, drawing their “Happy Place,” and group work on helping others. To end the week, there will be a spelling contest, English reading, and a discussion list titled “10 Ways I Help at School,” reinforcing positive behavior and responsibility.

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Serving with Integrity: A Humanitarian Initiative with HALUAN

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Serving with Integrity: A Humanitarian Initiative with HALUAN

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1. Name, Matric Number, Date

Nurul Husna binti Shaharuddin
A195852
8/8/2025

2. What Have You Done This Week?

At HALUAN's headquarters in Bangi, this week started with an orientation session conducted by our supervisor, Cik Farhana. She gave an overview of HALUAN's goals, mission, and the different departments that collaborate to support communities both domestically and abroad. From medical missions to disaster assistance, education, and social welfare, I discovered how important this NGO is to humanitarian help. This week, I worked on a variety of projects, beginning with getting ready for the Palestine Solidarity Event on August 9, 2025. I helped the accountant at headquarters with crucial financial tasks, packed supplies, and pasted posters. This involved filing records, sorting paperwork, and confirming invoices; the process deepened my understanding of the work that goes on behind the scenes to maintain an NGO's efficacy and transparency. Additionally, I acquired practical expertise in producing marketing content, which is a crucial instrument for advancing humanitarian causes. I was able to fully immerse myself in the organization's everyday activities during my volunteer hours, which were 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

3. Points to Remember from Week 1

I discovered during this first week that an NGO like HALUAN's work is based on great collaboration, well-defined goals, and intimate ties to the community. These serve as the cornerstones around which humanitarian endeavours might be built.

I came to see how crucial precise accounting is to maintaining public confidence. Because it guarantees that donations for medical and humanitarian relief are handled openly, every receipt, payment record, and financial document is important.

I learnt that medical treatment by itself is insufficient to create long-lasting change. To meet the community's broader needs, NGOs like HALUAN combine medical care with food assistance, shelter, education, and public health awareness.

I learnt that every effort, no matter how minor, contributes to the larger goal of helping lives through my work in marketing, accounting, and event planning.

4. Feelings & Thoughts

This week has been enlightening and motivating. I have always concentrated on the clinical aspect of treatment as a medical student, but working with HALUAN made me realise that medicine is only one component of a larger picture that aims to improve people's lives. True healthcare is comprehensive; it supports the community's social, emotional, and economic well-being in addition to healing the body. This was further supported by witnessing the commitment of NGO employees to both medical and non-medical parts of aid.

5. Difficulties/Concerns & How I Coped

Interacting with people from extremely diverse backgrounds was one of the challenges I faced, but I addressed it with respect, openness, and an eagerness to learn. Understanding the complexities of accounting and filing work was another challenge, but I was able to gain confidence over time by asking questions and taking detailed notes on every step the accountant explained. Knowing that the event next week is rapidly approaching also made me feel under pressure, but I managed by planning ahead and working with others to ensure that everything was ready.

6. Two Words to Describe My Progress So Far

Empowered & Inspired

7. Plan for Next Week (Week 2)

I intend to fully participate in the last-minute planning for the Palestine Solidarity Event during Week 2. This will entail helping with registration, setup, and logistics for the event as addition to helping the accounting team keep track of event-related costs. In order to ensure that everything is carried out properly and openly, as a well-run medical mission ought to be, I am also looking forward to assisting with the cleanup and financial reporting following the event.

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Lessons in Patience and Compassion: My journey at Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras 

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Lessons in Patience and Compassion: My journey at Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras 

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Nurhayati Binti Basri

A193988

8 August 2025

1. What have you done?

I'm volunteering in Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras where they provide care, treatment, and protection to underprivileged elderly individuals to ensure their well-being and quality of life. This week, when we first arrived here, we were meeting with Encik Anuar, our supervisor and Encik Zamzuri Head of the Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras. We're discussing what we are able to help with here. Then, we look around and socialise warmly to the person in charge and residents. We went to the canteen, surau and house residents. We're starting our session with health monitoring where we check residents’s blood pressure, SPO2 and weight. We went around to the public area and canteen and resident's house. Once we're finished, we went back to our work area to compile the data collected into google docs as our record. We even join the TCA, where we assist residents and community nurses in the Hospital and Klinik kesihatan. In the morning session, together with Ms. Kobayashi, one of the volunteers here, we're doing some art activities and fun games including colouring, crossword and simple calculation exercise. We're interacting and playing together with them. The other day, we had zumba and joget for morning activities. We went to each resident's house to encourage them to join the session.

2. Points to remember from week 1!

Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras available for those below:

Senior citizens aged 60 and above

Not suffering from any infectious diseases

Have no family members

Do not have a permanent place of residence

Able to take care of themselves

Application is made voluntarily by the individual concerned

Communication skills are one of the important skills that can be developed through this posting. Residents with different backgrounds with different difficulties and problems need to be handled with politeness and patiently. We must treat them with patience at all times.

Other than that, we're also supporting them in terms of their physical, mentally and spiritual needs. We're trying to include all the residents in all aspects above so that they have balance in their daily routine.

3. Your feelings & thoughts

I feel amazed with their routine here. They can follow the schedule very well. Besides, they have their own freedom during leisure time. Some of them are sleeping, walking around the garden, listening to music, doing some light exercise and reading. They get along and communicate very well. The place is clean and comfortable for the residents. As young people, I'm proud of them for living independently here and taking care of themselves.

4. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

I noticed the difficulties in communication where the resident had hearing problems and also speech difficulties. We need to repetitively pronounce each word to make it understandable. It takes time but that's not a problem for us. We will sit down and casually have a conversation with them.

5. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far

Calming and Patience

6. Your plan for next week (Week 2)

We were planning on continuing our health monitoring such blood pressure, SPO2 and weight every morning to other residents. At the same time, we will take turns going for TCA, indicating a follow up appointment in the Hospital Kajang or Serdang and Klinik kesihatan Batu 9. We will assist the community nurse and residents throughout the day and even join together consultation with the Dr in charge. Then, we planned on joining morning activities with Ms. Kobayashi, doing art activities and fun games. For example, colouring, crosswords, simple calculation exercises and playing games such as congkak and barrel pirate. In addition, we were also planning on giving a hand during meal preparation. We'll be helping in the canteen to help prepare and distribute meals for lunch and will take over cleaning the dishes after lunch.

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Blue Pink Cute Blank Background Instagram Story_20250810_162515_0000

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Intan Nasuha Binti Md Noh

A195644

4-8th August 2025

2. What have you done?

This week, I went back to my old primary school which is also where I went to kindergarten. I met my ex-kindergarten teacher, Teacher Azimah, and she still remembers me after all these years. On the first day, she invited me to join the school assembly with all the students and teachers. I saw lots of students and even some of my ex-teachers from Standard 1 to 6. In the class, Teacher Azimah introduced me to the students and showed me an old photo album, I even spotted my younger, funny face in it!

As a practical teacher, I helped the kids learn ABCs, colouring, and sketching things like hot air balloons, cars, and boats. I also joined their lunchtime, which was so cute because they share food and chat happily. I even got my own slot to guide them in brushing their teeth after eating. After class, I helped the assistant teacher clean up. On my first day, I also helped the staff pack kerepek for Hari Kantin while chatting and eating with the teachers.

The rest of the week was similar, but on Wednesday and Thursday I was introduced to Ustazah Nik. During her classes, I didn’t interrupt but observed as she taught Rukun Iman and Rukun Islam, and listened to the students reading Iqra’. On Friday, I joined the Bacaan Yassin and enjoyed a small jamuan with the teachers.

One memorable moment was when a student from Pra 2 came into Pra 1 with a small injury. Teacher Azimah asked me to treat her, so I cleaned her wound. Even though it was a small thing, it felt special like they trusted me so much to care for the children.

3. Points to remember from week 1!

I learned that kids learn best when we mix lessons with fun activities. Also, patience is very important because every child learns at a different pace. Small things, like sitting and eating with them, make them feel closer to you. Building rapport is the key to keeping them engaged. And most importantly enjoy every single moment, because these experiences will be precious memories later.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

At first, I felt awkward coming back to my previous primary school and kindergarten. I never imagined stepping into this place again, but at the same time, I felt proud to return as an alumna, someone my teachers could be proud of. The teachers were warm and welcoming, although I sometimes felt they still treated me like their student .

One touching moment was during assembly when we read the school pledge. There are two parts which the first for everyone, and the second only for students. I felt strange not reciting the second one, realising I was now standing with the teachers instead of the students. Singing the school song again after so many years was unexpectedly emotional, I still remembered every word!

It was a bit funny whenever I went to the canteen or passed by students from Standard 1 to 6, they would call me “Cikgu Doktor” and all the staff also called me doctor instead of Intan or cikgu. It felt weird at first, but also kind of special, because I knew they were showing respect and recognising that I’m now in the medical field.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

Handling different personalities was a challenge, some kids were super playful, one was called the “Drama Queen” because she cried at least once a day, and some just didn’t want to do their work. I managed by telling them to finish their tasks first before we played games like eraser battles. Sometimes, I would just mention Teacher Azimah’s name to get them to behave.

The students also had a lot of questions to ask which is normal for their age. One funny moment was when a student asked me, “Teacher, why you didn’t do your work? Why only us?” I didn’t know how to react at first, so I just laughed. Then another student asked, “Why do we have to do so much exercise? We’re tired.” I explained gently that the more they practise, the smarter they will become, and that’s how they can achieve their dreams. They seemed to understand and accepted the answer.

6. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far

Heartwarming and nostalgic

7. Your plan for next week (Week 2)

Next week, I want to bond even more with the students. I will try to take the lead in a short teaching session and help more with lesson preparation. I also want to learn more creative ways to keep the kids engaged and excited during class. Most importantly, I’m planning to take more photos to capture these precious memories.

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Golden Age: Volunteering at Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras

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Golden Age: Volunteering at Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras

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Muhammad Firdaus Bin Muhamad Nahar, A191971, 9/8/2025

1. What have I done

I chose to volunteer at Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras which is an old folks home. The residents there consists of Malaysians (including Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sabahan and Sarawakian) age 60 and above.

I was placed at the clinic there and given the task to monitor the residents' blood pressure and SPO2 level. Besides that, I also helped Miss Kobayashi, a volunteer worker from Japan, in doing her daily activities with the residents including colouring activities, crossword puzzles, mathematics problems, and also played some games such as congkak and jengga with the residents.

2. Points to remember from Week 1

Interaction with the old folks requires patience, respect, and appropriate tone & intonation as some of them are difficult of hearing, while some are demented, therefore requiring slight adjustments as such.

Holistic approach in geriatric care, not just taking care of their physical health, but also their mental and spiritual status are just as important.

3. My feelings & thoughts

I'm feeling very excited so far and am grateful that I chose this volunteering work for my elective posting as it gave me a chance to gain in-depth experience in geriatric care. I am also having a lot of fun getting to know the residents and spending time with them.

4. Difficulties or concerns and how I cope

One of the difficulties was definitely interacting with the old folks. Sometimes they might speak incoherent words, asking random questions repeatedly, and such. However, I've come to term with it and actually got used to it, that this challenge is the reality in interacting with old folks.

Another challenge was actually finding work to do as the home itself was already well-organized with a handful amount of staffs. However, this challenge was overcame by asking around a bunch of people on what work that may require our assistance and appropriately planning the tasks that we can do throughout the 4 weeks of this elective posting.

5. Two words to describe my elective posting so far

Surprisingly fun!

6. My plan for next week (Week 2)

Next week, I intended to continue in doing the vital sign monitoring and helping Miss Kobayashi. However, I also planned to help the kitchen during lunch hour as well.

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Little Steps, Big Hearts: Volunteering at Wishesland

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Little Steps, Big Hearts: Volunteering at Wishesland

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Chriselda Dorence Anak Terence, A194710, 5 August 2025

1. What have I done?

I joined ‪Volunteering at Wishesland, an NGO based in Kuching, Sarawak, which advocates for individuals with cerebral palsy. It serves as an information centre offering a variety of programmes aimed at improving cognitive and motor skills in cerebral palsy patients. During this week, I assisted Wishesland staff in physiotherapy sessions and helped out in the play zone.

Most of the patients I met ranged from infancy to young adulthood, and in addition to individuals with cerebral palsy, some also had non-cerebral-palsy conditions, such as autism and developmental delays. I got to know each patient’s condition and their progress by taking history from their parents and speaking with Wishesland staff.

I also had the opportunity to learn about hydrotherapy and assist during a hydrotherapy session. In the play zone, I supported activities designed to enhance cognitive skills.

Furthermore, I participated in a sharing session on neuro‑brain training, which uses sound and visual signal training to help patients retrain their brainwaves and improve overall brain function.

2. Points to remember from week 1!

I gained a deeper appreciation for the crucial role NGOs like Wishesland play in supporting cerebral palsy patients and their families. They not only provide therapy programmes but also assist low‑income families in finding funding for treatment.

Besides that, I learned that hydrotherapy is especially helpful for patients with hypertonia or limited mobility, since water reduces resistance and allows easier movement compared to land‑based therapy.

Moreover, I also came to understand many of the challenges parents face in caring for their children and learned how they cope and persevere in seeking therapies, financial aid, and overall support.

3. My feelings & thoughts

I experienced a mixture of emotions throughout the week. I was excited and grateful for my first opportunity to volunteer at an NGO focused on cerebral palsy support. Spending time helping patients in need and learning how physiotherapy is tailored to each individual’s condition was both humbling and inspiring. At the same time, I also deeply admired the resilience and dedication of parents, who go to great lengths to provide the best possible care and treatment for their children despite many obstacles.

4. Difficulties or concerns, and how I coped

I encountered challenges in handling some of the children, especially when they displayed tantrums as their parents left. To help soothe them, I asked their parents in advance about their favourite shows or music, using those familiar cues to distract and comfort the child. Another concern was managing physically strong older male patients with hypertonia, especially as the Wishesland staff team is entirely female. To assist them effectively, two other volunteers and I stepped in to offer additional support during physiotherapy.

5. Two words to describe my elective‑posting progress so far

Enjoyable and enlightening.

6. My plan for next week (Week 2)

Next week, I plan to conduct more detailed history‑taking with the parents of other patients to gain insight into treatment progress and challenges. I also intend to ask the physiotherapists about the purpose and significance of each exercise position, to understand how they target specific muscle groups or functions.

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Beyond The Clinic: My Eye-Opening Week at Wishesland

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Beyond The Clinic: My Eye-Opening Week at Wishesland

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Bathrisyia Claudia Anak Harrykirk, A196265, 29 July 2025

1. What have you done?

This week, I had the opportunity to volunteer at Wishesland Kuching, an NGO for children with cerebral palsy (CP) and other neurodevelopmental conditions. It was truly a meaningful experience as I got to meet children with various types of CP—spastic, ataxic, dyskinetic, and mixed types—and observe how each of them had their own set of challenges.

Alongside my friends, I observed how the physiotherapists conducted sessions and even got the chance to assist under their supervision. Ms Agnes and Ms Erine were very kind and guided us patiently. I found that many of the children had lower limb issues like hypotonia and muscle atrophy, and some were also affected by seizures, likely related to CP or other neurological conditions.

One of the highlights was the hydrotherapy sessions. I learned that the water helps reduce resistance, making it easier for the kids to move their limbs—and most of them seemed to really enjoy being in the pool.

We also had the chance to talk to the parents, who shared their children’s medical histories and the ups and downs of raising a child with special needs. It was honestly eye-opening and emotional at times. I feel really lucky to be exposed to all of this before even starting my paediatrics posting. It gave me a deeper understanding that goes beyond what textbooks or hospital wards usually offer.

2. Points to remember from Week 1!

CP has different types: spastic, ataxic, dyskinetic, and mixed—each affecting children differently.

Many children with CP experience seizures due to their neurological conditions.

Physiotherapy is carefully tailored for each child’s specific condition and needs.

Hydrotherapy helps reduce movement resistance and is a fun yet effective exercise for the kids.

Talking to parents gave me emotional and practical insight into what it takes to care for children with CP.

Respect goes to the physiotherapists who deal with unpredictable moods and physical challenges every day—and also to the family members who dedicate so much of their time and energy to be there for their children.

3. Your feelings & thoughts

I feel so grateful and honoured to have experienced this in my first week. It was emotional at times—especially listening to the parents’ stories—and it made me realise how strong and resilient they are. I now understand that caring for children with special needs is not just about clinical knowledge, but also about emotional presence, empathy, and patience.

Seeing the physiotherapists work closely with the children, adapting to their moods and physical limitations, was something that really earned my respect. It’s not easy at all, but they do it with so much care and dedication. I genuinely feel that this kind of experience is rare and something even hospital postings may not fully expose us to.

4. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

One of the challenges was handling the children, especially those who were too active or threw tantrums. As medical students, we’re not used to this yet, and I could tell the staff were careful not to let us do too much too soon. I sometimes felt unsure, but I coped by observing more, asking questions, and assisting only when it was safe and appropriate. It reminded me that learning also means knowing your limits and respecting the child’s space.

5. Two words to describe elective posting progress so far

Eye-opening & humbling

6. Your plan for next week (Week 2)

Next week, I hope to learn more about the reasoning behind certain exercises and therapy techniques. I want to observe more closely how the physiotherapists adjust their methods based on the child’s response. I also hope to have more conversations with the staff and parents to better understand the long-term journey of these children. I’ll continue to be open, patient, and respectful in everything I do here.