It was a day of smiles and laughter as sixteen students from Akademi Pengajian Bahasa (APB) took part in Creativity is Self-Care, a University Social Responsibility programme at Ronald McDonald House, Hospital Tunku Azizah, Kuala Lumpur last Saturday, 17 June 2023. The programme was the result of the joint efforts of the Art Trivium Department, College of Creative Arts (CCA), Galeri Seni Tuanku Nur Zahirah (GESTURZ), and Akademi Pengajian Bahasa (APB) UiTM, in collaborations with Ronald McDonald House Charities Malaysia (RMHC) and Nippon Paint. Activities include mural painting, arts and crafts, and an interactive storytelling session to cheer up children and families currently residing at the accommodation.
Ronald McDonald House at Hospital Tunku Azizah is a 20-room residence that provides families of paediatric patients from outside of Kuala Lumpur the nearest accommodation to attend to their children’s medical needs at Hospital Tunku Azizah or at the Ministry of Health facilities nearby.
Creativity is Self-Care was planned with the objectives to further contribute to community development and social well-being through volunteerism. The programme also promotes art and creativity as an avenue of expressions that support self-care and sustainable practices. As such, the objectives of the programme align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health & Well-Being), 4 (Quality Education), 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
APB was thrilled to be a part of the programme led by Puan Noriza Arzain, Art Trivium lecturer and Fellow of Curatorial Affairs at UiTM GESTURZ. The APB students were accompanied by three lecturers, and during the event worked together with eight lecturers and 38 students from CCA, eleven staff from GESTURZ, and six RMHC personnel.
The highlight of the day for the APB team was of course the interactive storytelling session that saw the children participating gleefully in a ‘quest’ for treasure. The children, aged between 5 to 12 years old, eagerly played their parts in the activity, happily immersed in the story. As stories and storytelling have been known to promote learning and healing, they are the perfect tool to bring the children out of their shells and enjoy themselves. All traces of shyness and reluctance were gone by the end of the session as the children bonded with the many ‘kakak’ and ‘abang’ from UiTM.
Besides storytelling, the APB students also lent a hand tidying up the storage area at the facility, folding linen and arranging items. However, one of the more exciting part of the day was when several students assisted their CCA counterparts with mural painting, with guidance from their lecturers. Three murals in bright colours now enlivened the space, with elements of nature included to produce a peaceful and soothing ambience. Another wonderful sight was the Wall of Fame mural, where the little residents of the Ronald McDonald House left their handprints to mark their stay there. The murals were later officiated by the General Manager of RMHC Malaysia, En Mohd Nasri Mohd Nordin, accompanied by Puan Wan Siti Fikriah Wan Ismail, the Manager of Ronald McDonald House at Hospital Tunku Azizah.
It was truly a priceless and unforgettable experience for the APB team who took their leave at the end of the day amidst hugs and goodbyes from the children. Undoubtedly, they left with a kindled passion for charity and volunteerism, and are ready for more!