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Malaysian Red Crescent(MRC) Volunteering 

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Malaysian Red Crescent(MRC) Volunteering 

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Name : Yasshini Priya A/P Manimaran

Matric number : A188294

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Absolutely. I have done way more than just humanitarian assistance, such as disaster response training and community empowerment. I have had the privilege to work closely with the Faculty of Medicine at UM, which indicates a strong partnership between my organization and a prestigious institution. I never thought I'd get to do “hotspot duty”. Hotspot duty is where volunteers get to work in the MRC headquarters of Selangor which is located in Petaling Jaya. It is when patients or victims who need medical attention in emergency situations call “999” for an ambulance. We get to be the first responders during those situations. I truly believe we got to empower communities to become more resilient in the face of challenges by providing training, resources, and support that enable individuals and communities to better cope with and recover from disasters and crises. I am truly grateful to be part of the team to make a change.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

In my final week of project, my favourite part of this project is when we collaborated with Fcaulty of Medicine of Universiti Malaya. I got to be a part of the “FUTUREGUARD” team where volunteers from various organizations are called upon to provide knowledge and training to high school students to better prepare them for future crises. As a representative of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, we were entrusted with the vital responsibility of managing two highly impactful stations during our recent initiative. The first station was dedicated to promoting hygiene and educating participants about dengue prevention, a critical health issue that demands our attention. We meticulously taught the seven steps of hand washing, a skill I was already well-versed in, but which remains essential for effective hygiene and disease prevention.

The second station was equally significant, focusing on community-based first aid. Here, we conducted immersive, hands-on activities that enabled participants to master crucial first aid skills for a wide range of everyday scenarios. Our approach ensured that these skills were not only clearly communicated but also practical and immediately applicable.

Our work was significantly enhanced by the expertise of various specialists. The Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) generously shared their extensive knowledge on emergency response and fire extinguisher use, providing invaluable insights. The "Urban Preppers" contributed their expert advice on preparing for unforeseen emergencies, while the Medicine Faculty of UM enriched our sessions with both scientific understanding and practical applications.

At the end of the session, the students had a challenge to perform CPR in the correct way, where the mannequin was connected to an app and students get to see their progress and technique of CPR.

This part of my posting was my favourite as I got to work with kids and educate them on preparedness which is absolutely essential in our daily lives.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

The only challenging part of this project was discipline. However, I managed it very well and completed my project successfully. I tend to sleep after hours as I have things going on and I still had to make myself wake up at early hours to get to the headquarters and sometimes schools to do my posting activities.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

The aspect of the project that worked pretty well for me were my communication skills and relationship with students. With all those experiences I have had throughout my secondary school years and med school has built my confidence and communication skills. Hence, this was a pretty good advantage for me in my elective posting. It worked really well for me and I have showcased my ability to the max in this field.

5. What can be improved in this project?

In my opinion, this project could have been broader in the sense that it could have allowed me more exposure to the outside world and encounter real life issues and difficulties faced by the community. However, in the limited period of my elective posting, this would have been way difficult to include in my schedule. All in all, I have learned way more than I have anticipated and I hope I get to apply all the knowledge I have learned in my career in the near future.

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Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Absolutely, the objectives of the project were fulfilled beyond my expectations. The photography class equipped me with the foundational knowledge and confidence I needed to approach landscape photography with a more refined eye. The emphasis on mastering camera settings, understanding composition, and critically evaluating photos in group sessions all contributed to my growth as a photographer. During my trip to New Zealand, I was able to apply these skills effectively, capturing the raw beauty of the South Island’s landscapes in ways that truly reflected the vision I had in mind. The blend of technical proficiency and creative exploration that the project encouraged allowed me to bring back a portfolio of images that I'm genuinely proud of.

What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I enjoyed most was the seamless transition from classroom learning to real-world application. The landscapes of New Zealand offered an incredible canvas to apply everything I had learned. From the towering, snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the serene, mirror-like waters of Lake Pukaki, I found myself constantly inspired and eager to experiment with different techniques. The freedom to explore, coupled with the structured knowledge I had gained, made every moment behind the lens exciting. There’s something truly special about being able to capture a fleeting moment of natural beauty and knowing that the skills I honed during the class played a key role in making that possible.

What have you found challenging about this project?

The project certainly came with its challenges, the most significant being the unpredictable nature of New Zealand’s weather. The ever-changing conditions meant I had to be on my toes constantly, adapting my camera settings and approach to suit the light and weather. This was particularly difficult when I was hoping to capture a specific mood or lighting condition, only for the weather to shift unexpectedly. Additionally, some of the most stunning locations required strenuous hikes and long hours of waiting for the perfect moment. Balancing the physical demands of these excursions with the mental focus required to compose and capture high-quality images was tough but ultimately rewarding.

What has really worked?

The combination of thorough technical training and creative experimentation really worked well in this project. The class gave me a solid grasp of how to manipulate aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to achieve the desired effects, which proved invaluable when shooting in diverse lighting conditions. The group critique sessions also played a crucial role in my development, as they offered constructive feedback and new perspectives that I hadn’t considered. This communal aspect of learning not only helped me identify areas for improvement but also pushed me to think more critically about my work. When I was out in the field in New Zealand, I often found myself recalling these critiques, which helped guide my decisions in real-time.

What can be improved in this project?

While the project was highly beneficial, I believe it could be enhanced by incorporating more on-location, hands-on training sessions during the class. Practicing in varied outdoor environments would better prepare students for the unique challenges of landscape photography, such as dealing with dynamic weather, capturing the essence of a scene, and understanding the nuances of natural light. Additionally, integrating a module on post-processing would be incredibly valuable. Editing plays a crucial role in bringing out the best in landscape photos, and having a deeper understanding of tools like Lightroom or Photoshop would allow us to fully realize the potential of our shots. Finally, perhaps extending the project to include a mentor-guided photography trip could offer a more immersive learning experience, allowing students to apply their skills in a real-world context with expert guidance.

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1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Overall, almost I fulfilled major objectives of

my project. These are included meet like-minded professional volunteers from around the world, Help communities in need to improve their quality of life,An opportunity to broaden my skills and enrich the career, Deliver my duties with the highest level of compassion professionalism and care , Maintain satisfactory physical and mental health, Uphold our Code Of Conduct As well as Be  accountable to donors beneficiaries, employers and fellow members/ volunteers.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

Being a volunteer member is really joyful and graceful for me. It’s something precious moments that my two hands able to contribute to this community as much as I can without expecting any payback from anyone. I felt the satisfaction of every person

and the organiser is really worth. Even though my contributions is not the major one, but I did something small help rather then nothing.

Especially in Sharing session with MERCY Malaysia core volunteers, it’s an eye opening moment for me also make me think about long term volunteering.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

As I mentioned in previous padlet, public speaking is one of major challenges for me. Initially I really want to reject the offer since

it’s a formal event where any minor mistake can damage the reputation of the NGO. To overcome this challenge, I have several meetings with well talented Tamil teacher. I won’t forget about the dedication of the teacher, after the school she even requested to have the meeting. Besides that, to overcome the stage fright, I try to apply several method such as try to understand and memorise the script, focus on breathing techniques etc. But after the programme
felt so satisfied with my performance .

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

I would say communication between the respective team and people was worked so well. For every volunteer programme, communication is a key component.

5. What can be improved in this project?

I wish that we could have had more volunteer programmes that could have me strengthen my humanitarianism more. I also wish we could have had a few face-to-face meetings but also understood that it would be hard to do one because there were a few volunteers of us who were staying quite far.

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For my last week, I got each of the students some gifts and a cake!

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Volunteering to teach high school students with learning and intellectual disabilities

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Volunteering to teach high school students with learning and intellectual disabilities

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Aida Raihana Bt Che Rahim

A188171

19/8/2024 - 23/8/2024

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Over these four weeks, I can confidently say that I’ve achieved all the objectives I set out for myself. My primary goals were to gain knowledge, enhance my communication and social skills, and grow through my interactions with the students, and I’ve certainly achieved those. Reflecting on this experience, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of children with intellectual and learning disabilities, learning how to handle them. Initially, I was confused about what intellectual disabilities were, but now I can clearly explain the differences to others. Learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, were also new to me, and I was surprised when students struggled with simple tasks like spelling ‘gam’ which is glue in English. However, after seeking guidance from teachers and doing my own research, I realized just how unique these students are, each with their own OKU card. I had learned a lot from observing the teachers on how to handle the students and appreciate their strengths and abilities. For instance, Adam can't read but he has a special talent for drawing which makes each of them interesting.

Before this, I had preconceived notions about autistic children, thinking they were all aggressive. However, spending time with them taught me otherwise. I came to understand that their specific behaviors often stem from frustration, like wanting to express something but being unable to. I also learned that not all autistic children are aggressive; some are quite passive. Initially, I avoided interacting with Khalish, an autistic child who often showed aggression towards teachers. But I eventually realized that he, like other children, simply craved love and attention. In my third week, while supervising PK Dinamik in the absence of their teacher, Khalish suddenly came up to me and hugged me. I was taken aback, expecting him to hit me, but it was a moment that changed my perspective on him entirely. On a personal level, I have also  overcome my fear of talking to people I just met. Previously, I would stutter and avoid eye contact, but now, I’ve grown more confident, even speaking comfortably in front of others. This was one of the achievements I had hoped to improve, and I feel blessed to have had this opportunity.

Finally, I was able to give the teachers and students some gifts as a token of appreciation for welcoming me for the past month. Although I didn’t directly teach them, simply observing the students provided me with valuable learning experiences. I gained a lot just by watching how they interacted and reacted in various situations.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I enjoyed most about this project was the opportunity to interact with the students, which was especially meaningful to me because of my love for working with kids. I found myself smiling and laughing often during our interactions, which not only brought me joy but also reduced my stress levels over the course of the month. My passion to learn about each of these students' behavior made the entire journey much more enjoyable and fulfilling. It was incredibly rewarding to witness the students get comfortable being with me as we spent more time together.

Additionally, the sense of inclusion I felt throughout the month, both from the students and my fellow teachers, was something I deeply appreciated. Being welcomed and supported by everyone made the experience even more memorable. Building relationships with the students whom I felt like my little siblings and supervisor who never tired answer my questions made this project one of the most rewarding experiences.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

Reflecting back, one of the most challenging parts of this project has been interacting with teachers who are older than me. As someone who is younger and less experienced, I often felt uncertain about how to approach conversations or offer ideas, fearing that I might not be taken seriously. This made building relationships with the older teachers more difficult and sometimes left me feeling isolated. However, as time went by I got familiar with them.

Secondly, adapting to a new environment also proved to be hard. As I am an introvert it's hard to open up myself to the teachers and the students whom I did not know about. The process of getting comfortable in a setting that was unfamiliar and filled with new people was overwhelming. I often found myself drained from the constant social interactions, which made it difficult to fully engage and connect with those around me.

Finally, handling students with intellectual disabilities was particularly challenging for me. I had no prior experience working with students who have these needs, and I often felt unprepared to handle the situation. Like the time, where I was asked to teach Afiq how to read, he ended up just looking at me feeling confused. It was my first day and I had no clue at all on how to act in front of them. Should I be kind or should I be stern with them? However, I have learnt from the experienced teacher to be stern with them and speak clearly. Each of these challenges tested my abilities and pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t expected.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

What worked really well in this project was how I connected with the students. I started to build good relationships with them from the start, and this made a big difference. Learning about intellectual disabilities and following the advice and tips from the teachers also has helped me to understand the students better and know how to manage them. One thing that was especially effective was my approach of being both firm and gentle. I made sure to set clear expectations, but I was also kind and understanding. This balance helped the students listen to me and feel safe around me. They knew I was there to help them, not just to tell them what to do. I was also pleasantly surprised and proud to see that some students preferred spending time with me over other teachers.

5. What can be improved in this project?

Looking back, I see areas where this project could have been improved. I wish I had taken the initiative to learn more about intellectual disabilities and the Program Pendidikan Khas Integrasi (PPKI) before stepping into the role of a teacher. My limited knowledge made the first week particularly challenging, as I felt unprepared and unsure of what these students needed to learn. If I had familiarized myself with their curriculum and specific needs beforehand, I could have provided better support and guidance right from the beginning. Additionally, I recognize that my communication skills need improvement, especially when it comes to starting conversations.

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A few pictures with my supervisor, one of my coworkers and our customers. 

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Padlet Week/Phase 4

1. Name : Farrah Dini Ellisya

Matric number : A187662

Date : 23/8/2024 - 25/8/2024

2. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes. for me the objectives of this project were fulfilled. My first objective was to develop effective communication skills with other kinds of people. I gained a lot of experience interacting with customers and learning how to communicate effectively. I also learned to use simple, straightforward language to communicate, to ensure they understood the information being shared. It will help me enhance my communication and my ability to connect with people.

My second objective was to learn how to repair any gadgets or electronic appliances. Through hands-on practice, I acquired the skills needed to diagnose and repair a range of gadgets and electronic appliances. Each repair task allowed me to learn new techniques even though the main problem is the same. For example, if the gadgets cannot be charged, it can be because of the charge cable or charger port. We need to check which one is the main cause that leads to that problem.

My last objective was getting new knowledge about electronic appliances. In this project, I also expanded my understanding of how different electronics work. This project provided me with valuable insights into the technical aspects of these devices, allowing me to apply it in the future

3. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

First and foremost, I am truly happy that I decided to pursue these electrical skills. My decision to work on this project has been a good one. I thought I would never enjoy it because I had never liked IT before, but by the end of this project, I found it interesting and fascinating to learn.

What I've enjoyed most about this project is the opportunity to interact with customers. When I talked to them, it reminded me of my time in the ward. It was similar to how I spoke with patients, where we needed to use simple terms to ensure they understood what was happening with their gadgets. Each conversation feels personal, just like when I would reassure a patient. Just like in medicine, these conversations help to build trust and comfort between me and the customer.

I have also discovered a surprising parallel between repairing gadgets and medical work. Customers come to us and complain about the problem and we would try our best to help them and repair their gadgets, just like how patients see a doctor with chief complaints and the doctor will try their best to treat them. It’s all about identifying the problem, making a diagnosis and then choosing the right solution. At the end of the day, the goal in both professions is to make sure that the gadgets can function properly and that patients regain their health. These experiences have taught me that, no matter the field, the process of problem-solving and helping others can be incredibly rewarding.

4. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

I found that, as someone without a strong background in electronics, it was very difficult and a bit overwhelming to understand the different components and their functions. I needed to be careful not to touch unnecessary components in the gadgets to avoid causing additional problems. I had to ensure I was removing the correct component and replacing it with a new one. I also needed to keep track of all the screws as they are very small and easy to misplace. It is quite difficult to handle all the small parts. Since I am a bit impatient, sometimes it's hard for me to control my emotions.

5. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

I think the part of the project that worked well was my communication skills with customers. By focusing on clear and simple explanations, I was able to build trust with them. So far, all the customers understood my explanations and grasped the issues with their gadgets. They often said thank you and nodded their heads when they heard my explanations. This not only made them feel more comfortable and confident in our services but also improved my ability to explain technical concepts in an accessible way. I also noticed that it worked when they started to recognise me when they came to the shop.

Another part of the project that worked well is my relationship with other workers. I believe maintaining a good relationship with them is very important for our well being and it really influences the working environment.

Lastly, I think my responsibility as a worker was another successful part of the project. I’m very grateful that I didn’t cause any issue to my supervisor or problems throughout these 4 weeks. Everything went smoothly and I followed all the instructions that were given.

6. What can be improved in this project?

I think there is a part that needs to be improved. For example, it would be beneficial to have more thorough training on electronics repair from the start. Since I began a bit late, work usually on weekends and not all the time the customer would come with gadget problems, so I didn't always have the chance to encounter various gadget problems. I wish I could have seen more. Additionally, allocating extra time for practice and troubleshooting would be really helpful for me. The more time we work on different repairs, the better we become at solving problems and handling tricky situations.

To improve myself, I need to deepen my understanding of electronics skills. By gaining more knowledge about each gadget model and its components, I can better familiarize myself with their structures and select the appropriate products. I also need to become more acquainted with CCTV cameras to differentiate them more effectively when I see it in the future.

In conclusion, this project has been a wonderful journey for me, filled with valuable lessons and growth. I hope I can have similar opportunities in the future.

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Week 4 @ last week as an MRA volunteer: Helping with t-shirt packing, organizing the warehouse, doing some UNHCR registration work and having a small feast for our last day.

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Volunteering In Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA)

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Volunteering In Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA)

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Nor Hidayat bin Sukeri, A189507, 19-23/8/2024

2. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Overall, the objectives were fulfilled. I had the opportunity to be involved in MRA project management, where I gained valuable experience and skills. I participated in both the preparation and efficient execution of the mobile clinic at the Orang Asli village. Secondly, I managed to improve and further explore my communication skills. During the UNHCR registration for refugees, I communicated extensively with individuals who spoke only minimal Malay. Fortunately, some could speak English, which made my job easier. From this experience, I learned the importance of using simple words to ensure clear communication, especially when language barriers exist.

For the third objective, it was partially fulfilled. Throughout the elective posting, we made efforts to consider environmental sustainability in our relief operations. For example, during the mobile clinic, we carefully managed our resources by bringing only the necessary supplies and medications, which minimized waste and reduced the environmental footprint. Additionally, we used eco-friendly materials whenever possible, such as using paper cups to collect water from the public toilet. While there is always room for improvement, these efforts helped reduce our environmental impact during the relief operations, even in a challenging and resource-limited setting.

3. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I have enjoyed most about the project is the opportunity to make a direct impact on people's lives through hands-on work, such as assisting in dispensing medications to the Orang Asli and helping refugees register with UNHCR to lower their medical expenses. Interacting with diverse communities, like the Orang Asli and refugees, has been incredibly valuable and fulfilling. I also appreciated the chance to learn from experienced professionals, such as the doctors, and observed how they managed to treat patients in resource-limited areas. Additionally, dispensing medications was particularly rewarding because it allowed me to learn and remember more about common and first-line medications used to address some of the patients presenting complaints. The sense of teamwork and collaboration, along with the fulfillment of helping those in need, has been a truly memorable and valuable experience.

4. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

One of the challenges I encountered during this project was communicating with refugees. Many of them spoke minimal Malay, and while some could converse in English, language barriers still posed difficulties. This made it challenging to gather accurate information and ensure clear communication about their needs and the registration process.

Another significant challenge was entering medication prices into the spreadsheet. This task required me to refer to numerous quotations to ensure accuracy. Additionally, we were responsible for creating pricing lists for medications across three different states, which involved a big amount of data entry. The extensive list of medications and the need to cross-check prices across multiple quotations made this task time-consuming and complex. Additionally, some of the medication names in the quotations were brand names, while the spreadsheet used generic names, and sometimes it was the other way around. This meant I had to look up the names online to avoid making mistakes. Managing all this information and making sure everything was correct required a lot of careful work and patience.

5. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

The team's flexibility and collaboration were crucial to the success of the project. Despite facing several challenges, like road access issues and language barriers, our ability to quickly adapt and work together helped us overcome these obstacles and complete our tasks efficiently. Clear communication and strong teamwork among all members played a significant role in the smooth running of the mobile clinic and the successful UNHCR registration process. Becoming proactive and engaging with supervisors and colleagues is very important for diligently completing the tasks. All the guidance my colleagues provided made the work much smoother and more manageable. Plus, the practical experience and insights we gained from working with experienced professionals, like the doctors, were invaluable and really boosted the overall effectiveness of the project. Having an experienced and qualified doctor collaborate with MRA really helps improve the impact of humanitarian work.

6. What can be improved in this project?

Maybe I can get more involved in volunteer activities at field sites to gain a deeper understanding of the work being done on the ground and make a more direct impact. By actively participating in these activities, I can develop a better grasp of the challenges faced by communities and learn how to address them more effectively.

Additionally, I could explore other departments, such as the volunteer department, education department, or international department. This would allow me to broaden my experience and skills by understanding different aspects of NGO relief operations. For example, working with the volunteer department could help me learn about volunteer coordination and management, while exploring the education department could provide insights into delivering educational programs. From what I know, the MRA education department focuses on educational programs for marginalized communities, such as refugees and asnaf families. They have created a school for refugees and an IQ program for asnaf children who are falling behind in education. If I get the opportunity, I would like to explore these activities further. Engaging with the international department could give me a global perspective on humanitarian work and the complexities of working across different cultures and contexts. By expanding my involvement, I can gain a more comprehensive view of the humanitarian NGO and enhance my ability to contribute meaningfully to its mission.

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Last picture of me as an MRA volunteer during my one-month EP period.

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WEEK 4

1. Your name, matric number, date

Muhammad Haiqal Irfan bin Razali

A188425

19/08/2024 ~ 23/08/2024

2. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Not all three of my objectives were successfully achieved; however, two out of the three—project management and communication/public relations—were fulfilled, while the objective of environmental sustainability initiatives was not met. In the area of project management, I acquired skills in planning and executing relief projects efficiently. I was successfully involved in the planning and execution of a mobile clinic project at an Orang Asli village in Kuala Lipis, Pahang. During the preparation, I assisted in planning by organizing the stock of medications and equipment needed for the village. Once there, I participated in providing medical services to the Orang Asli. In the area of communication and public relations, I developed effective communication skills to relay information about relief efforts and connect with diverse audiences. So far, I have communicated with more than five refugees during this EP period. I always strive to communicate clearly with them to obtain their information, help them register for the UNHCR card, and explain that while our NGO does not provide financial assistance, the UNHCR card allows them to receive medical discounts at hospitals. Communicating with the refugees often presented challenges due to language barriers, but I did my best to ensure our conversations were meaningful and effective. Lastly, in terms of environmental sustainability initiatives, I was unable to contribute to environmentally sustainable practices within relief operations. Most of the tasks assigned to me were under the medical department, and as a result, I was not involved in activities related to environmental sustainability.

3.⁠ ⁠What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

I really enjoyed the mobile clinic we conducted at the Orang Asli village in Kuala Lipis, Pahang. This was my first time visiting a real Orang Asli village, and the experience was truly priceless. The journey to the village, deep within the forest, was fascinating and adventurous, especially the 4x4 Hilux ride through the challenging off-road pathways. Being at the Orang Asli village felt like a deep connection with nature; the environment, homes built from wood or bamboo, the river, and the Orang Asli people themselves, was completely different from the surroundings I’m used to in the city, where buildings and cars dominate the landscape. At the village, I felt a sense of calm. This was also my first time sleeping in the deep forest, with electricity available only from 7 pm to 11:59 pm, which was limited. The first night was challenging, but I managed to adapt perfectly. I also enjoyed meeting the Orang Asli, trying to connect and communicate with them. I was happy to assist the doctor in providing medical services to the Orang Asli through this mobile clinic. The program allowed me to understand the common diseases and medical issues among the Orang Asli, such as parasitic infections, dental cavities, and hygiene-related problems. This made me feel empathetic towards them, knowing that due to the lack of facilities and their remote location, they cannot access proper medical care without programs like this. I also felt sorry and more empathetic towards them as I wondered how they would receive proper medical attention in emergencies, given that the nearest hospital is two hours away. This experience made me grateful for the life I have while recognizing that there are still communities lacking basic necessities and easy access to medical care. This was the most memorable and meaningful experience during the three days and two nights at the Orang Asli village during my one-month EP period.

4.⁠ ⁠What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

There were some challenging moments during this EP period. One of them was communicating with the refugees. One of the tasks assigned to me was to register the refugees on the UNHCR website so they could obtain the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) card. To do this, I needed to contact them via WhatsApp or phone call to gather their information. The challenge began when we couldn't communicate effectively due to language barriers. At first, it was very frustrating to keep repeating myself because they couldn't understand me. However, with patience and help from my colleagues, I did my best to communicate with them and understand their circumstances and desperation as refugees. I believe that in our conversations, it wasn't just me who was frustrated, they likely felt the same because they needed our help, but we couldn’t understand each other. This situation was challenging because we both wanted to help and receive help, but communication was difficult. I believe that without patience, determination, and persistence, this task could not have been successfully completed for both parties. Another challenging moment for me was when I was assigned to fill out the medication price list in a spreadsheet. The task involved entering prices for medications from three different states: Kedah, Pahang, and Kelantan; where the NGO orders their medications. With over 100 types of medication, I had to review all the quotations and order memos to track the prices accurately. There were numerous quotations and order memos to sift through. This task required high focus, meticulous attention, and patience, as any lapse in determination could lead to missing medication prices and having to repeatedly go through the quotations. I spent more than a week completing this task.

5.⁠ ⁠What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

I think creating the General Health and Sexual Reproductive Health modules went really well for me. My supervisor assigned me to develop these modules and asked me to outline the content that needed to be taught or raised for societal awareness. With my background as a medical student, I believe I executed this task effectively. I chose important topics to raise awareness, such as Mental Health Awareness and Sexually Transmitted Infections. I outlined the content for both modules using trusted resources like CPG Malaysia and KKM guidelines. After one month of my EP period, I left the volunteering position having successfully created two comprehensive modules with relevant topics and subtopics that I believe will benefit society. I also believe that the mobile clinic we conducted was executed successfully. With my participation and involvement, I believe I was able to contribute significantly to the preparation process, including counting medication stock and organizing equipment to be taken there. At the Orang Asli village, I was effective and efficient in assisting the doctor in providing medical services to the Orang Asli. One of the topics from our General Health module, teeth brushing techniques and care, was demonstrated to the Orang Asli, teaching them the proper techniques for brushing their teeth. I think the programs were well-designed, mindful, and effective.

6.⁠ ⁠What can be improved in this project?

For this project, I believe there are areas for improvement, such as broadening the scope of my involvement into various activities. I realized that my focus was primarily on medical-related tasks. I think I could be allocated to other departments as well, such as Social Work or Education, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the NGO’s work and contribute more broadly to the community through volunteering programs. Additionally, I recognize the need to improve my stamina and physical fitness. The experience in the Orang Asli village was quite challenging and required good stamina and physical activity. To function effectively in such demanding environments, I need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness, which will also be beneficial when I become a doctor. I also need to enhance my social skills, especially in initiating conversations and building confidence, as highlighted in feedback from my supervisor. Improving these skills will help me create a more positive and collaborative work environment with colleagues. Overall, I view this EP project as a significant and successful experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow from it.

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Prepare small gifts to my kids on the last day ;) 

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Volunteerism In Tzu Chi Education Centre

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Volunteerism In Tzu Chi Education Centre

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Week 4

1.      Your name, matric number, date

Shalyn Lee Xin Yi

A188157

12/8 to 16/8

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Taking care of them by myself in week 4! 

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Volunteerism In Tzu Chi Education Centre

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Volunteerism In Tzu Chi Education Centre

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Week 4

1.      Your name, matric number, date

Shalyn Lee Xin Yi

A188157

12/8 to 16/8

2.     Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives of the project were largely fulfilled. I successfully organized and conducted activities for Tzu Chi's Parent-Child Bonding Class, Teenagers' Class, and the Great Love Mothers' team. I also contributed to classes conducted by the Continuing Education Centre. Throughout the project, I had the opportunity to communicate, interact, and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, professions, and identities. Additionally, I learned how to effectively communicate with special needs children and gained experience in making decisions from various perspectives when planning and conducting activities.

3.     What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I found most rewarding about the project was my time with the children. Their innocence and simplicity were truly refreshing, and I was captivated by their unique perspectives on the world. Engaging with them brought out a more authentic version of myself, as I often saw reflections of my childhood in them.

This connection allowed me to empathize with them more deeply than even the teachers did; I understood why they laughed, cried, and threw tantrums. I enjoyed having equal conversations with them rather than judging them from a superior perspective. I loved giving them a big thumbs-up when they were happy and telling them, "You're amazing!" and offering them a deep hug when they were upset, gently asking, "What's wrong today?"

These interactions reminded me of the value of simplicity and directness, while their imaginative perspectives challenged my more rigid way of thinking, renewing my belief in the possibilities life holds. Through this experience, my affection for the children deepened, and I also developed a greater love for myself and the world around me. I reconnected with parts of my childhood and found healing in the process. Although four weeks may not be enough to change their lives, I hope that my presence offered them even a small but meaningful sense of light and hope.

4.     What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

I faced two significant challenges during my time in the classroom. The first challenge was managing the class on my own, which proved difficult without external support. I realized that my lack of experience in handling kindergarten children played a big role, particularly in week four when all the teachers were absent. I felt powerless, as the children wouldn't listen to me, and it was hard to get them to follow instructions. The class quickly became chaotic and noisy in the absence of the teachers. This was further complicated by having a few children with special needs in the class, which required a different approach that others might have perceived as unfair. However, I eventually managed to resolve these issues by talking with the children and providing them with appropriate lessons.

The second challenge was my communication with the teachers. Despite my best efforts, I realized that I couldn't be of much assistance if the teachers didn’t communicate what needed to be done. In unfamiliar environments, I tend to observe before taking action, which made me realize that this approach was flawed. When I was put in a position where I had to take charge, I discovered that there was a lot I didn’t know. I understood that not asking questions was a mistake, but I was also unsure of my role, which prevented me from identifying the right questions to ask. This led to communication barriers. Additionally, the teachers might not have been accustomed to guiding others on how to help them, so they didn't provide me with the necessary details. From this experience, I learned the importance of asking more questions and engaging in conversations to gain knowledge. Maintaining an open mindset is crucial for absorbing new information, identifying blind spots, and becoming more adept in future learning environments.

5.     What has worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

I noticed that my way of communicating and interacting with the children was different from that of the teachers, which seemed to make the kids more comfortable opening up to me when they faced difficulties. I especially cherished the moments when the children, even those who were initially introverted, wanted to talk and play with me. Every morning, they would greet me with a cheerful "Good morning" and eagerly share their stories—whether it was about a family trip, their favorite animals at the zoo, a cartoon they loved, or what they did at home the day before. I felt like they truly saw me as an older sister, and it brought me immense joy and satisfaction to see them smile at me or to witness their progress, such as when they successfully read a paragraph we had practiced in class. I believe that my role as both a teaching assistant and a sister figure has been effective, as the children genuinely made me feel like a part of their Xin Xin 1 class.

6.     What can be improved in this project?

To improve my contribution to this project, I could start by gaining a deeper understanding of the developmental stages of preschool-aged children. Familiarizing myself with their milestones and needs would allow me to better support their growth and learning. Additionally, I could work on strengthening my ability to collaborate more effectively with the teachers, which would help create a more cohesive and supportive learning environment for the children.

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Assalamualaikum & hi everyone!

It’s the final week! Congratulations everyone, you all deserve a pat on the back for making your project possible!

Please write, upload lots of pictures & videos in this final Padlet =)

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

5. What can be improved in this project?