Giving back to society
THE annual Monash University Foundation Year ( MUFY) Charity Carnival last year raised RM11,500 for the Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped, Selangor and Federal Territory ( SSMH).
Over 100 MUFY students from all intakes joined forces and worked round- the- clock to raise funds for SSMH, a voluntary welfare organisation established and registered with the Registrar of Societies in 1984 with the objective of providing rehabilitation facilities to children and youths with severe mental and physical ( multiple) disabilities in Selangor and the Federal Territory.
Student Andrew Teoh Poh Jian, who visited SSMH during the cheque presentation ceremony, described his visit as an eye- opening experience, adding that this experience would make his dream of becoming a doctor more meaningful.
“It was my first time being with severely mentally handicapped children,” said Teoh.
“Observing and interacting with them gave me a first- hand understanding of what life is like for children with this condition and what we can do to make life a little easier for them.”
MUFY lecturer in charge of the carnival, Angie Ng Wee Koon, felt blessed to be given the opportunity to understand and help the children at SSMH.
“I’m glad I can play a part in giving a little help and a lot of love,” said Ng.
Director of MUFY Lee Thye Cheong said, “We organise these activities to raise awareness about the numerous needs of the community among our students and challenge them to play a part, no matter how small, in responding to these needs.
“This way, we can teach our students to pursue success that makes a difference in the lives of others.”
On the day of carnival, people flocked to the Energy Hub for some excitement, the pulsating music combined with the voices of people clamouring for attention created an exhilarating atmosphere.
Rows of tables were set up, on sale were a variety of food, drinks, fashion accessories, ornaments and collectibles plus games to take part in.
The highlight of the event was the “Class of Horrors”, where students spent hours and much effort to transform their classroom into a maze of horror complete with “the walking dead”, vampires and a whole range of ghoulish creatures.
It was an instant hit of the day with long queues throughout the carnival.
Prior to the event, coupons priced at RM10 per booklet were sold to members of the Sunway Education community and their friends.
The team was led by the MUFY Student Council with the support of lecturers to publicise the charity event.
Apart from raising funds for the underprivileged, the annual carnival also created a platform for students to be aware and respond to their community’s needs.
It also nurtured communication, interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills, among students.
MUFY is a pathway that provides the academic bridge for students to successfully progress to undergraduate studies at Monash University.
Just as Monash is a passport to a fulfilling career and a rewarding life, MUFY is the passport to a rich learning experience at Monash.
Designed by Monash academics, the MUFY programme prepares students for admission into a wide range of Monash University undergraduate degrees. It provides students from different academic backgrounds a foundation to excel at Monash University.
The curriculum encourages analytical and critical- thinking, while the method of continuing assessment combined with final examinations focuses on the application of knowledge.
For further information about the Monash University Foundation Year Programme at Sunway College, call 03- 7491 8622 or e- mail info@ sunway. edu. my or log on to sunway. edu. my/ college/ mufy