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Activity: Food Stamping

Conducted our final subprogram with the kids, which is Food Stamping! The items and vegetables had already been prepared the week before, so all that was left was to mix and prepare the colours. The kids were really excited for the activity (honestly, so were we and the teachers 😄). We guided them on how to stamp properly and then encouraged them to try it on their own. It was a messy, fun and colourful session (and of course full of smiles too!) The session was more than just a creative activity; it helped stimulate their sensory skills, letting them touch, feel, and playfully explore the textures of food.

Materials and Resources

Vegetables (okra, capsicum, corn)

Drawing blocks

Water colour

Painting brush

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Activity 1: Orientation and briefing

Reported ourselves at 9am and were warmly welcomed by our supervisor, Pn. Fauziah (Kak Gee). We were brought to the Base Office to register and receive our daily access passes for the air base.

Attended an introduction session with Kak Gee and the staff; there are 7 teachers in total, including herself.

Met the 34 children under PPDK care. They attend on a rotating schedule (17 children on Mon–Tue, and 17 on Wed–Thu).

--> All children are categorized as Orang Kelainan Upaya (OKU), including those with intellectual disabilities, autism, Down Syndrome, and mixed developmental conditions (“pelbagai”).

--> Some children receive home visits on Fridays because, due to certain issues, they are not compatible to be placed in PPDK for regular sessions (e.g., medical, behavioral, or mobility limitations).

Activity 2: Activity Observation and Feeding Session

Observed the children during feeding and playtime to understand their eating behaviors and levels of independence.

Assisted several children during snack time, ensuring safety, hygiene, and comfort. Some children required assistance during feeding, while others were able to eat independently.

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First day and they were already so clingy ! >.<

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One teacher (our supervisor, Pn. Fauziah) attended a course, and four other teachers were on leave. Only two teachers were available that day. Due to the short staffing, the children were given a day off.

Activity 1: Classroom Visits and Teacher Interview Sessions

Visited and observed all four classrooms in PPDK. The classes are divided according to the children’s developmental levels:
– PDKNet class for advanced children (equipped with computers).
– Intermediate class for activities such as arts and crafts.
– Hyperactive class, kept mostly empty to prevent damage to materials or decorations.
– Therapy room (Space Room), used to provide an interactive multisensory environment for therapy sessions.

Learned about the daily timetable and routine followed by the children. Conducted informal interviews with the teachers to gather more insights about the children’s behavior, issues, and challenges. Teachers shared that many of the children have sensory processing difficulties and picky eating habits.

Activity 2: Group Discussion with Team Members

Conducted a group discussion to brainstorm potential nutrition-related interventions that could address the sensory and picky eating issues identified. Discussed possible needs assessments, the types of programs to be conducted, and the stakeholders to involve (teachers, parents, etc.).

Reviewed relevant articles and research papers to gain a better understanding of sensory feeding interventions and strategies applicable to children with special needs.

Activity 3: Consultation with Course Coordinator

Consulted Dr. Hazirah regarding our proposed ideas. Presented our concerns and received her feedback and recommendations for improvement.

Reviewed the project checklist to plan the next steps; identifying which proposals, documentation, and approvals need to be completed first, which established questionnaire can be used for needs assesment.

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Activity 1: Classroom and Feeding Observation

Continued observation of the children’s daily routine and classroom activities. Focused on identifying feeding patterns, food preferences, and communication methods used by teachers to engage the children during mealtime.

Noted that some children require hand-over-hand assistance while others show signs of independent feeding. Observed variations in chewing ability, attention span, and food acceptance.

Observed the types of food brought by caregivers— mostly processed or convenience foods (biscuits, sausages, milk drinks, fried foods) with limited fruits and vegetables.

Discussed with teachers the possible reasons behind the unhealthy meals observed among the children: including caregivers’ time constraints, limited nutrition knowledge and awareness, and the children’s restricted food acceptance

Activity 3: Interaction & Rapport Building

Engaged with children during free play and music sessions to build rapport and observe behavioral responses.

Learned which children respond better to touch, gestures, or facial expressions instead of verbal cues.

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Us with the high rank officers together with the parachute team

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Activity 1: Civil–Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Program Participation

We were given the opportunity by Kapten Malisha, Officer-in-Charge of PPDK TUDM Gambang, and Mejar Ain, Education Officer of Pengkalan Udara Kuantan, to assist and participate in the Civil–Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Program.

The CIMIC Program was held in conjunction with the ElangGaroo and Dawn Ababil Exercises, which involved collaboration with the Australian Defence Force. Three schools were also invited: Sekolah Menengah Sains Sultan Ahmad Shah (SEMSAS), Sekolah Menengah Seri Mahkota (SESMA), and SK Pengkalan.

Among the activities we joined were Drone Racing, Career Talks, and the Static Exhibition. Throughout the day, we assisted by ushering students to the main hall and exhibition areas, distributing refreshments, and helping officers coordinate the flow of activities.

Daily Reflection:

It was honestly such an exciting and once-in-a-lifetime experience to work so closely with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) during the CIMIC Program. I never imagined I’d get to be part of something so big, especially one that also involved the Australian Defence Force. Being there felt surreal, I was amazed by how organized, disciplined, and united everyone was.

The best part was getting to see the static display of aircraft and air force assets up close, and watching the parachute jump from 1,000 feet, it was truly breathtaking! We even got the chance to chat with the pilots, soldiers, and officers, and they shared stories about their missions, training, and daily life in service. Listening to them made me realize how much passion and sacrifice goes into what they do.

Later, we also met high-ranking officers who gave us motivational talks, encouraging us to study hard, stay disciplined, and serve our community in the best way we can.

We also had so much fun talking with the secondary school students who attended the event. We shared a bit about university life, encouraged them to keep studying, and I even got to introduce dietetics — explaining what we do and how important our job is in healthcare. It felt nice to see their curiosity and to promote my own profession with them.

Even though this activity wasn’t directly related to dietetics, I learned a lot about leadership, communication, and confidence. It showed me that no matter where we are, whether in healthcare or another field, values like discipline, teamwork, and passion will always matter. This day will definitely be one of my favorite memories from this placement.

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Activity 1: Needs Assessments

Arrived early (before 8:00 a.m.) to meet the parents and distribute the needs assessment questionnaire. Most parents were very cooperative and willing to provide information about their children’s eating habits, routines, and preferences. It was a good chance to interact and understand more about their children’s eating habits and routines.

Materials and Resources:-

Caregiver's Feeding Style Questionnaire

Diet Diversity Score

Activity 2: Routines with the Kids

Joined the children’s morning assembly, which included Negaraku, Pahang State Song, and Asmaul Husna recitation. Observed their attention span and level of participation during these routines.

Took part in their aerobic dance session. Some children were very enthusiastic while others preferred to observe quietly.

Observed behavioral patterns such as tantrums and attention-seeking behaviors. One child experienced a minor epileptic episode while resting.

Assisted during mealtime, observing what foods were brought and helping the children who required feeding assistance.

Activity 3: Anthropometric Measurement

Conducted anthropometric measurements to assess the children’s growth status.

Measured height using a stadiometer and weight using a Tanita digital scale.

Data were recorded in a spreadsheet for analysis.

Some children were cooperative, while others required extra support or gentle encouragement to stand still and upright.

Materials and Resources:-

Tanita weighing scale

Stadiometer

Activity 4: Group Discussion and Planning

Held a group discussion after returning from PPDK to refine our programme details.

Sorted out necessary documents and paperwork, set timelines and due dates, and distributed tasks evenly among team members.

Began working on the proposal draft for our upcoming intervention programme.

Daily Reflection:

Today's activities taught me a lot about patience and understanding. Watching how calmly the teachers handled every situation, especially when one child had an epileptic episode really inspired me. Their patience and quick response made me realize how important it is to have the right knowledge and awareness when managing children with special needs.

Since I’m usually used to dealing with the normal population, this experience felt very different and eye-opening. Taking measurements wasn’t always easy; some children moved around or got anxious, but it taught me to stay calm and adapt to their comfort level. I also learned that in dietetics, numbers alone don’t tell the whole story, empathy, communication, and understanding are just as important. Despite the challenges, it felt rewarding to connect with the children and see their smiles.

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Us with Kapten Malisha and Mejar Ain during CIMIC TUDM. Million thanks to them for offering this huge opportunity

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VIDEO 2025 10 1Me teaching one of the kids using flashcards

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Activity 1: Needs Assessments

Arrived early in the morning to distribute the needs assessment questionnaires to parents and collect the completed ones that were returned.

Activity 2: Routines with the Kids

Began the day with the usual morning routines: morning assembly, followed by aerobic dance sessions.

Monitor the mealtime session as usual, fed the kids and observe their food intake.

Activity 3: Classroom Observation and Learning Session

Observed classroom activities throughout the day.

Some children were using the computers while others joined small group sessions.

I also had the chance to teach using flashcards about human body parts, spelling and comprehension, and puzzles about fruits. It was a fun and interactive way to help them learn and observe how each child responded to visual learning.

Activity 4: Anthropometric Measurement

Continued with height and weight measurements for children who had not been assessed earlier, such as those who were absent or came as replacements.

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VIDEO 202The questionnaires we distributed to the parents

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Activity 1: Needs Assessments

Arrived early as usual to personally hand out the needs assessment questionnaires to parents and collect the completed ones.

Activity 2: Routines with the Kids

Morning assembly

Aerobic dances

Mealtime observation; what they brought and how they ate

Activity 3: Mini Games with Kids and the Teachers

Helped organize and assist the children in a throw-the-ball-into-the-basket game played in teams.

The children were divided into two groups- some were hilariously clueless, while others were very competitive! The activity aimed to improve hand–eye coordination and teamwork.

We joined the teachers in a friendly match too! of course, our team won (though one round ended in a tie 😄).

Activity 4: Anthropometric Measurement (Final Round)

Completed the final round of height and weight measurements for children on rotation for Wednesday and Thursday.

There were only a few left to measure, so the process was smoother and more manageable compared to earlier sessions.

Activity 5: Draft Proposal Writing

Spent the rest of the day working independently on the assigned parts of our intervention proposal, refining the content and making sure all data and objectives were aligned.

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Activity 1: Consultation with Course Instructor, Dr. Hazirah

Had a consultation session with Dr. Hazirah to present our updated idea and overall progress. After reviewing the data from our needs assessment, we decided to shift our focus from sensory issues to caregiver feeding style as the main topic of our intervention.

Shared the proposed activities, objectives, and expected outcomes of the program.

Received constructive comments and feedback on how to improve our plan and timeline. It was a productive discussion, and we were given the green light to proceed with the current direction.

Activity 2: Market/Materials and Resources Survey

Conducted a quick market survey to compare prices and availability of the materials needed for our upcoming program.

Visited nearby supermarkets and stores to check for the most cost-effective and suitable items that could be used for the activities.

Collected all the price data for budgeting purposes.

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Activity 1: Home visits

We were divided into pairs and assigned to follow different teachers for the weekly home visit session. I was paired with Danial, and we followed Cikgu Umi to visit several homes in Batu 11 and Batu 12, including Kak Gee’s house, as she also has a special needs son, Fariz (Boboy).

1. Aliff Syukri (31 years old) — Diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and hearing impairment. He experiences mood changes and behavioral difficulties, which led to his withdrawal from PPDK. Despite that, he can manage some daily routines independently and takes his medications responsibly. He was asleep during our visit, but teachers shared that his eating patterns vary according to mood — sometimes only rice, other times just protein and vegetables.

2. Abdul Hakim (32 years old) — A person with Down syndrome and dysphagia due to a narrow gastrointestinal tract. He requires blenderized meals and is bottle-fed as he cannot chew or swallow solid foods properly. He also has thyroid issues, congenital heart defect and constipation. Despite limited speech, he can understand simple instructions. He is no longer attending PPDK due to his age and health condition.

3. Fariz (Boboy, 36 years old) — Has intellectual disabilities and has been diabetic for 7 years, managed with medication. He also has hypertension. Fariz is generally calm, well-behaved, and not a picky eater except for noodles, which he dislikes. He maintains a good meal schedule and drinks plenty of water. He prefers to stay home rather than attend PPDK but manages daily activities well.

4. Aira Amina (30 years old) — Diagnosed with intellectual disabilities and on long-term epilepsy medication. Her last episode was 4–5 years ago. She can partially manage her hygiene and simple tasks but still requires assistance. She eats a soft diet, dislikes crowds, and may experience seizures triggered by stress or tantrums. She withdrew from PPDK mainly due to her age and health concerns.

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PDKNet: Educational aid for advanced disabled children

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One of my most memorable moments this week was with a boy named Amir. He suddenly showed a big change in appetite — finishing his meal completely for the first time — just because I sat beside him during mealtime. The teachers and even his mother were surprised by this sudden improvement. Later, they told me that I reminded him of his sister who is currently away pursuing her studies. 🥹

That moment touched my heart deeply. It made me realize how powerful emotional comfort and familiarity can be in encouraging eating behavior. Sometimes, progress doesn’t just come from food or nutrition interventions — it comes from human connection, warmth, and presence.

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He brings and ONLY eats fried chicken everday

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He only eats flavoured rice without any protein or vegetables

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Us helping to distribute the refreshments to the school students during CIMIC TUDM

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Measuring the height of an immobilised child using knee height

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How the teachers managed a sudden epilepsy episode

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Interview session with the caregiver during home visits

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The first week at PPDK TUDM Gambang was such a heartwarming experience. Seeing the children for the first time honestly made me a bit nervous. I wasn’t sure how to approach them or if they would respond to me. Most of them are non-verbal or communicate differently, so it took me a while to understand their behavior. But as the days went on, I realized they just needed kindness, patience, and someone who truly cared.

One of the kids even hugged me the moment he saw me. It caught me off guard, but it instantly melted my heart. Slowly, I started feeling more comfortable around them and more confident guiding and helping them. I noticed that many of their snacks weren’t balanced — lots of processed food, no fruits or vegetables and it made me realize how important it is to educate caregivers about healthy eating.

We also joined the CIMIC Program with TUDM this week, which was such an unexpected but amazing experience. I got to interact with army officers, pilots, and even students while promoting dietetics. It felt surreal— not something every intern gets to do!

By the end of the week, I felt grateful and at peace. I learned that even though these children might not express themselves with words, they still feel and connect in their own beautiful ways. It reminded me that empathy and patience are the real tools we need— not just knowledge. All in all, first week of community internship is a wrap! More to come InsyaAllah! Can't wait :)

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Activities during home visits

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Week 2 was one of the most meaningful weeks of this placement. It was filled with hands-on work, patience, and moments that truly opened my eyes. Conducting anthropometric measurements with the children taught me that data collection is not just about numbers, it’s about understanding the child behind every measurement. Some were cheerful and cooperative, while others needed extra care and encouragement. I learned to be calm and gentle, adapting to their pace rather than forcing mine.

During the week, I also got the chance to teach and play with the children through mini activities like flashcards and simple games. It was heartwarming to see how different each child’s learning style was, and how even small interactions could bring smiles and connection. Observing the teachers made me realize how much patience, creativity, and dedication are needed to guide children with special needs, which is something that inspired me deeply.

The home visits were the most eye-opening part. Seeing how the children live at home, and how much care their families provide daily, gave me a whole new appreciation for caregivers. Each case was different. Some had feeding difficulties, others chronic conditions like epilepsy, heart defects, or diabetes, and yet the families managed them with so much love and persistence. It reminded me how crucial it is for healthcare professionals to have the right knowledge, empathy, and flexibility when supporting families like these.

Since I’m used to dealing with the normal population, this week taught me that real dietetic work isn’t always about ideal cases, sometimes it’s about meeting people where they are and helping them in ways that fit their reality. This experience truly deepened my compassion and strengthened my confidence in working with special populations. 🌻

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Activity 1: Analyzing Returned Questionnaires

Entered the responses from the needs assessment questionnaires into Google Forms for easier data management.

Generated pie and bar charts to visualize the results, and compiled everything into Google Sheets for further analysis and interpretation. This helped us identify common patterns and issues faced by the caregivers.

Materials and resources:

Returned questionnaires

Google form

Google sheet

Activity 2: Routine with the kids

Observed the children during snack time, paying attention to what they brought from home and how they ate.

Joined their screen time session, watching TV together.

Assisted teachers in bathing several children, where I could observe their level of independence. Some could manage on their own, while others still needed help and supervision.

Activity 3: Slides preparation

Worked together to prepare presentation slides for our upcoming program proposal. Each member was assigned specific sections to complete.

Collaborated to ensure all contents were aligned and complemented each other.

Provided constructive feedback to group members and finalized the slides according to the rubric and given instructions before submission.

Materials and resources:

Presentation slides

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This was us during QnA session after the presentation. The sound system was bad, so we have to gather around and use only one device.

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Activity 1: Final preparation and rehearsal

Finalized the presentation slides and practiced delivering my part to ensure clarity and confidence. We conducted a full rehearsal as a group to check the flow, making sure everyone’s content aligned, and confirm that we stayed within the time limit.

Activity 2: Proposal presentation

Successfully presented our intervention proposal to Dr. Hazirah and Dr. Norashikin. Despite a minor technical issue with the sound system, the presentation went smoothly. We received constructive feedback and helpful comments, which gave us ideas on how to improve the program for real-life implementation.

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A lot was going on at the moment...by the way, there was me helping a kid floating 

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Activity 1: Water Therapy Session

Arrived at Villa Damai, Jaya Gading for the water therapy session with the children. Participated actively throughout the session and assisted the children and their parents during water play activities. I observed that some children were very enthusiastic and excited, while others preferred to stay away from the water. The session helped me understand how each child’s comfort level and sensory response can differ greatly.

Activity 2: Fundraising/Food Delivery Service

Started our fundraising project by running a food delivery service for dinner from Gerbang Santai Food Court and E-Mart. Created a WhatsApp group to take orders from students who wanted their meals delivered to their Mahallah lobby. We charged the delivery service RM 1.80 for each item.

For the first day, the response was very encouraging. Orders came in steadily between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. After collecting all the orders, we placed them at the food court around 6:00 p.m. and started delivery at 7:30 p.m.

There were a few challenges: we accidentally left one order at the stall, and the sorting and delivery process became a bit chaotic as we were trying to finish before Maghrib prayers. Alhamdulillah, everything went well in the end.

To improve the system, we decided to start deliveries later (around 7:15 p.m.) to allow time for Maghrib prayers first and reduce rushing. The experience taught me the importance of teamwork, time management, and staying calm under pressure.

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Activity 1: DDSDCE Proposal Preparation

Prepared the proposal and Programme Proposal Form (PPF) to be submitted to DDSDCE for the purpose of obtaining star points.

Ensured all required details were completed and obtained the necessary signatures from the supervisor and relevant officers before submission.

Activity 2: Fundraising/Food Delivery Service

Continued our food delivery fundraising service for dinner orders. The response was a bit slower this time since KOS Food Fest was happening on the same day, but the whole process went much smoother compared to before. We managed to sort and deliver the orders more efficiently and on time.

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How my nights will look like for these few weeks: E-mart runs aka personal shopper (the staff must have been tired greeting me everyday, always the same face 😂)

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This week was full of meaningful moments. We started off with our proposal presentation, and it felt so satisfying to finally see everything come together after all the late nights and discussions. Despite a few technical hiccups, everything went smoothly, and hearing feedback from Dr. Hazirah really helped us see where we could improve. It felt good to know that all our effort paid off.

Later in the week, I joined the water therapy session at Villa Damai. Watching the kids play and react to the water in their own ways. Some were splashing around, some were scared, and it reminded me how every little progress counts. I also helped with the DDSDCE proposal and our fundraising food delivery project. It was tiring, especially when we had to rush deliveries before Maghrib, but we laughed a lot as we turned mistakes into shared laughter and yet learned to work better together.

If there’s one thing I took away from this week, it’s that things don’t always go perfectly, but that’s okay. What matters most is the effort, the teamwork, and the heart we put into everything.

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Activity 1: Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Session

A group of physiotherapists and occupational therapists came to PPDK for their monthly visit.

I joined the session and observed how they handled and guided the children throughout the activities. The therapists led simple exercises, aerobic dances, and a few fun mini games like musical chairs and darts to improve movement and coordination.

The children seemed to really enjoy the session, even though some needed extra guidance as they had trouble understanding the instructions during the games.

Watching the physiotherapists and occupational therapists work with the children was such an eye-opening experience. I loved how they turned therapy into something fun and motivating through games and dances. It showed me that patience, creativity, and clear communication can make such a big difference when working with children with special needs. Even though I’m from a dietetics background, I realized how closely our fields are connected, because supporting a child’s overall well-being isn’t just about nutrition, but also about helping them move, grow, and enjoy the process ♡

Activity 2: Fundraising/Food Service Delivery

The response this time was overwhelming — we received almost 30 orders! It took quite a while for all the food to be prepared, which caused a bit of delay in delivery. Even so, we managed to complete every order successfully.

We apologized to the customers for the late delivery and provided a feedback form for them to share their experience.

To improve efficiency and cover the increased operation cost, we decided to slightly raise the delivery charge from RM1.80 to RM2.00.

The whole process taught me a lot about teamwork, time management, and problem-solving under pressure.

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Activity 1: Giant NutriBook Session

Brought the Giant NutriBook, an educational nutrition aid that we created during my third year for the Nutrition Education and Health Promotion course.

Gathered the children around, explained how to play, and let them take turns. It was nice to see their reactions — some understood and answered correctly, while others needed a bit of guidance.

The children seemed to really enjoy the session; a few even got a little too excited and playfully fought over their turns.

Materials and Resources

Giant NutriBook

Activity 2: Fundraising/Food Service Delivery

The challenge began when it suddenly started pouring cats and dogs right before our delivery time.

Although the number of orders wasn’t as high as before (probably because of the night market happening on campus), it was still a manageable amount.

Despite the rain, we managed to complete all deliveries successfully. I was honestly glad that we had increased the service charge because of the effort and energy it took, especially in the rain.

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Activity 1: Giant NutriBook Session (Second Batch)

Conducted another round of the Giant NutriBook activity, this time with the Wednesday/Thursday group of children.

It was a bit more challenging compared to the previous session, as most of these children had more severe conditions and struggled to follow instructions or communicate effectively.

Some became restless and could not participate, so the teachers guided them back into their classrooms to engage in other activities. Even though it was difficult, it was still a valuable experience to understand how differently each child learns and responds according to their own capabilities.

Activity 2: Classroom Time

Assisted the teachers during classroom sessions.

Helped the children with various activities such as reading, assembling blocks, sorting colours, and connecting dots.

Guided them in basic writing and fine motor skill exercises.

It was a good opportunity for us to observe their different learning abilities and see how small steps and repetitive practice/activities really help them progress.

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Activity 1: Connect the Dots

Prepared and printed connect-the-dots templates featuring pictures of fruits and vegetables.

Assisted the children in connecting the dots and colouring the pictures.Some were able to complete the task independently while others needed guidance.

The activity helped improve their hand–eye coordination and focus, and it was nice to see how proud they were of their finished work.

Materials and Resources

Connect the dots worksheets

Activity 2: Birthday celebration

Celebrated one of the children’s birthdays. His parents kindly brought cakes and goodies for everyone.

Helped the teachers distribute the food and treats to the children.

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Home visit: Haris, a bright child with cerebral palsy. He's very eager in learning and love English.

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Activity: Home Visits (Second Round)

Went for another round of home visits, but this time we switched groups and visited different houses. It was a great opportunity to meet and learn about more of the children under PPDK’s care. The children we met were Haris (Cerebral Palsy), Fatty (Multiple Disabilities), Ba’yah (Intellectual Disability), Budin (Intellectual Disability), and Tengku (Multiple Disabilities).

Daily Reflection:

This second round of home visits touched me deeply. Meeting the children and their families again reminded me how strong and selfless these parents are. Each home had its own story, but what really stayed with me was something Tengku’s mom said: “Kalau dia normal, mesti dia dah sambung belajar sampai universiti, sebab dia suka dan rajin belajar.” Hearing that broke my heart a little. It made me realize how much love, hope, and silent strength these parents carry every single day. Despite their challenges, they continue to give their best for their children. It reminded me to always be grateful for what I have, and to never take education or health for granted. 🌷

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This week made me reflect a lot about what it really means to work in healthcare. I’m really glad that I got to see the job scope of other allied health professionals, especially the occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Watching how they handled and guided the children with so much patience and care honestly amazed me. It reminded me that every one of us, no matter our field, plays a part in making someone’s life a little better every day.

Pn. Fauziah also told us that dietitians only come to PPDK once a year because the government is short-staffed. Hearing that gave me hope, that maybe one day, I can step into this area and contribute too. It made me realize that there’s still so much space for us, as future dietitians, to make a difference in community settings like this.

But what really stayed with me this week was during the home visit. Seeing the parents and their children made me think deeply because it’s sad knowing their conditions hold them back. I kept thinking do the parents ever feel tired, or question their fate? Well, maybe they did, at some point. But from what I’ve seen, most of them have already accepted it with open hearts. They love their children deeply and take care of them with such patience and strength. I truly believe that Allah only tests those who are capable of the test, and these parents are among the strongest people I’ve ever met. 💛

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Content validation meeting with our advisor

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Activity 1: Colours Sorting

Attendance was quite low today, so we conducted a simple colour sorting activity with the children who were present. Assisted the teachers in guiding the children based on their individual abilities. Some were more advanced and could sort colours easily, while others required additional support and encouragement.

Activity 2: Content Validation with Dr. Hazirah

Met with Dr. Hazirah for the NutriKita Talk content validation session. She reviewed and approved our presentation materials with only a few minor comments for improvement. She also shared several helpful tips on crowd management and what to expect when engaging with parents during the session. After the consultation, we began working on our presentation slides, dividing the content according to our assigned parts and ensuring the flow aligns with the objectives of the talk.

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Activity 1: Setting Up the Venue

With the help of Kapten Malisha, the secretary of PPDK, we managed to borrow several items from TUDM, including chairs, speakers, microphones, and a rostrum. From PPDK, we borrowed tables, tablecloths, a projector, and an LCD screen. We arranged the venue based on our own layout to ensure it was convenient and practical for both the NutriKita Talk and the Parent-Teacher Meeting that would follow.

Activity 2: Rehearsal

Conducted a full rehearsal of the NutriKita Talk to ensure everything flowed smoothly. We went through the programme sequence starting from the master of ceremony and tested the slide presentation. The rehearsal was done under the supervision of Kapten Malisha and Puan Fauziah. A few aspects needed minor adjustments, which we discussed and resolved on the spot to ensure the programme run smoothly on the next day.

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Activity 1: Welcoming the Parents

Arrived early to complete the final setup for the programme. Welcomed and ushered the parents into the hall, guided them through the registration process, and distributed the pre-programme questionnaires and pamphlets. Many parents brought food for the potluck session, so we helped arrange the dishes neatly. Also assisted those who needed help filling in the questionnaire.

Activity 2: The NutriKita Talk Session

Conducted the NutriKita Talk as soons as our assessors arrived, where I handled the interactive quiz session with the parents and the second part of the talk. Their participation was amazing. They were very enthusiastic and engaged throughout the session. The parents listened attentively, responded actively, and even asked thoughtful questions during the discussion. It felt rewarding to see them genuinely interested and involved in the topic we presented.

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Us with our assessors, supervisor, Kapten Malisha and the teachers

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I honestly can’t describe how happy and relieved I am that we finally made it. Our programme was a success, and this was the moment we had been waiting for since the very first week of our Community Nutrition Placement. After all the planning, late-night discussions, countless meetings (and yes, a few arguments too, haha), fundraising and food deliveries until late at night, alhamdulillah, it was all worth it in the end. If you ask me, I am beyond proud that we managed to address an issue that is rarely being discussed about among parents with special needs children and made a programme out of it which also received many positive and encouraging feedbacks.

For me personally, I just wanted to give my best and hold on to one intention, which was to advocate for the parents and help them understand how they can support their children better. There were small hiccups here and there, but overall, my session went smoothly. Hearing positive feedback from Puan Fauziah and the teachers really made me happy. Still, I try not to let it get to my head because I know there is always space to grow and do better next time.

What I am most grateful for, though, is my team. They have been my backbone since day one. We supported each other through everything, from the planning and the stress to the funny chaotic moments. I really admire how everyone always had ideas to share, even when our opinions clashed. That is the beauty of teamwork, learning, compromising, and growing together.

Looking back, it was not just about completing a programme. It was about the journey, the laughter, the lessons, the late nights, and the bond we built along the way. And for that, I will always be grateful. 💛

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Colour sorting activities to enhance fine motor skills

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Last but not least hehe, so proud of our programme

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Activity 1: Collage Making

We assisted the teachers in guiding the children to create a large fruit collage. The children were divided into small groups, and each group worked on a section of the collage using shredded coloured papers and glue. This activity helped improve their focus, fine motor skills, and teamwork, as they had to tear, paste, and arrange the colours according to the fruit shapes. It was a hands-on, engaging session that allowed the children to explore textures and work together creatively.

Materials and Resources:

Mahjong paper

Marker pens

Coloured paper

Activity 2: Disseminating Online Feedback Form

Created a Google Form to collect parents’ feedback and comments regarding the NutriKita Programme. The purpose was to obtain honest insights on the effectiveness of the talk and identify any areas for improvement. I asked Puan Fauziah to help disseminate the form by sharing the link in the parent–teacher WhatsApp group to ensure it reached all parents.

Activity 3: Project Report Discussion

Held a discussion with my group members to delegate tasks for the project report. I was assigned to the evaluation section, where I began analysing the pre- and post-programme questionnaire results. This involved calculating the average scores for each section and comparing the changes before and after the NutriKita Talk. We also discussed our interpretations, exchanged ideas, and made sure our evaluation aligned with the programme’s objectives.

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The kid who used to have sensory issue regarding textures touching and spreading the glitter.

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Activity: Sensory Stimulation Activity

Children were guided to their respective classes for the day.

I visited one class to conduct sensory activities: children poured and spread glitter onto glued pictures to explore different textures.

One boy I assisted initially resisted touching the glitter due to its sandy texture, showing discomfort when I guided his hand. Gradually, he became more comfortable and participated willingly.

I also guided the children in practicing writing alphabets and numbers to develop fine motor skills alongside sensory exploration.

Materials and Resources

Glue

Glitter

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The visiting dietitian conducting a colouring activity with the kids.

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Activity: Dietitian Visit

A dietitian from KK Paya Besar visited PPDK for her annual assessment and engagement session.

She conducted a colouring activity with the children using a “1000 Hari Pertama Kehidupan ke Arah Generasi Sihat” picture.

We assisted the children to stay focused, follow instructions, and complete their colouring.

Daily Reflection:

The dietitian shared that she can only visit once a year because government dietitians are severely short-staffed. Knowing this made me realise how limited access to nutrition services can be, especially for children with special needs who rely on consistent support. Watching her work with compassion despite the constraints truly inspired me. It strengthened my aspiration to become a dietitian—not just as a profession, but with the hope that one day I can help fill that gap and contribute to improving nutrition care for underserved communities. This experience increased my awareness of real-world challenges in public health and reinforced my commitment to pursue this field with purpose.

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Us during QnA session after the presentation.

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Activity: Project Report Presentation

Presented our project report to the assessors, Dr. Hazirah and Dr. Norashikin.

Received constructive comments and feedback, including the need to further discuss and elaborate on the strengths and weaknesses of the programme, and to provide clearer justification for each indicator used against the objectives.

Overall, we were satisfied with the session as the feedback helped us understand areas for improvement. We also made immediate amendments to the written report based on their suggestions.

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Activity: Bidding Farewell

As part of our farewell party preparations, we went to TMG Mall to buy groceries and ingredients. We decided to cook oden (someone had been craving it 🤫) for the teachers and staff, as a small way to show our gratitude for their guidance throughout the placement.

Besides the food, we also bought small gifts for each teacher and made a framed group photo to leave as a memory at PPDK — something to remind them (and us!) of the time we spent together.

Back at PPDK for the final time, we cooked the oden together. The kitchen was full of laughter, and it made me realise how much I will miss these people — the instant family that had adopted us over the past six weeks 🥲

Once the meal was ready, we held our farewell celebration. We served the food, shared stories, took photos, and expressed our heartfelt thanks. During the speeches, the atmosphere became emotional as we reminisced all of the memories shared together for the past 6 weeks, of how we grew from strangers into a group of people who can’t even survive the day without teasing and making fool of each other— even our supervisor, Puan Fauziah, shed tears, showing how close we had grown to everyone at PPDK. I couldn’t hold back my own tears when one of the teachers, Kak Mala hugged me and whispered that she truly loved our presence there and hoped I wouldn’t forget her.

The day ended with warm hugs and lingering goodbyes. I was overwhelmed with nostalgia, knowing that while this chapter of our placement had ended, the bonds we formed and the memories we shared would stay with me forever. PPDK Pangkalan Udara Kuantan was more than a placement site — it became a place that felt like home, filled with people who taught me not only about community nutrition, but also about kindness, patience, and friendship.

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My family for the past 6 weeks ♡ (There was me in the middle standing beside Puan Fauziah)

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Knowing that this was my final week completing my Community Nutrition Placement, I felt a bit overwhelmed. From Monday to Wednesday, I made sure to seize every moment with the children, knowing I might not see them again. I took it all in one last time, making sure I wouldn’t regret anything—whether it was waving goodbye, helping feed them, or playing alongside them. It was quite sad, because they might not fully understand, let alone realize why or when we were leaving despite our explanations—but I can’t blame them. I think I had grown quite fond of them and had become attached, having spent almost every day with them for the past six weeks.

This placement has taught me so much. I am truly grateful that Allah guided me to this opportunity, allowing me to work with a unique community—not the “normal” one, but a special needs population. Not everyone gets to have this experience, and I feel so lucky to have been among the chosen ones. Working closely with these children has genuinely touched my heart.

I am grateful to have had the best teammates, as well as cooperative and kind local preceptors, Puan Fauziah, and the teachers, who taught us so much along the way. Without any doubt, I would rate this placement 10/10. As I move forward, I know I will always miss my days here. All in all, alhamdulillah ala kulli hal.

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Teaching this one kid to spell— suddenly house became houx 🤣

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Final preparation and rehearsal before project report presentation

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Look me in the eye, tell me what you see~

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Their priceless reaction when they saw our framed picture that we gifted 🥺🫶🏻

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Returning our access pass. No more easy access to TUDM Air Base after this :'D