Shah Alam, 13 December 2023 – Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam through the College of Computing, Informatics and Mathematics (KPPIM) has successfully organised a Digital Information Exploration Program with the theme “Cinta Kanak-Kanak”. Taking place at Sekolah Kebangsaan Padang Jawa, the children-centric program is part of the Service Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM) initiative.
The “Cinta Kanak-Kanak” program was specially designed for preschoolers to improve their physical and psychomotor development and build an interest in crafting through various forms of interactive activities. Facilitated by 35 undergraduates from the School of Information Science under the Children’s Librarianship course (IML606), the program was enthusiastically participated by 50 preschoolers and assisted by 4 preschool teachers – Mrs. Azizah Hamid, Mr. Muhammad Raffaie Mohd Mumtaz, Mrs. Norliza Zainal Abidin, and Mrs. Nuraini Jamaludin. Mr. Iskandar Ishak, Sekolah Kebangsaan Padang Jawa Preschool Coordinator was also in attendance and graciously officiated the event.
The one-day program was filled with fun and educational activities. It began with a welcoming brief from Mr. Iskandar Ishak where he had highlighted the background and achievements of the preschoolers. Working in groups, the preschoolers were invited to explore, create, and learn by colouring Tote Bags, making DIY iPads, Hand-printing Cards, and Straw Printing. A “Children’s Solidarity” activity was also held to highlight the Palestine-Israel Conflict and how they can empathise with Palestinian children.
According to Mr. Iskandar Ishak, the “Cinta Kanak-Kanak” program offers opportunities for preschoolers to increase their creativity and develop their cognitive skills further. He further added, “This type of program is a positive step that will play a role in ensuring that the country can produce first-class human capital”.
KPPIM SULAM 2023/2024 programme is one of the initiatives aimed at empowering and serving the community through volunteer activities. Undergraduates are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge practically and discover how the knowledge they have acquired can also improve the living standards of the local community. The activities also support the aspirations of Fourth, and Eleventh Sustainable Development Goals, which are Quality Education, as well as Sustainable Cities and Communities. It is also in line with the visions of Malaysia Madani.