MIRI: The Curtin Volunteers!, a student volunteer group from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), recently embarked on a community outreach programme to Rumah Mandau Empenit, a longhouse community at Sungai Skrat 2 in Niah.
The programme was aimed at fostering cultural exchange, providing educational activities and necessities to children in the community, and to give non-Sarawakian students of Curtin a memorable local experience.
The programme saw an enthusiastic group of 19 Curtin volunteers engaging with the rural community comprising 33 families and 34 school-age children.
They organised interactive and fun games for the children, providing them with an enjoyable and educational experience.
Additionally, English tutoring sessions were conducted to help enhance the language skills of the children.
Another highlight of the programme was an opportunity for the volunteers to learn how to prepare traditional delicacies like Kuih Penyaram, Kuih Jala and Kuih Sarang Semut, and traditional basket weaving from the women of the village.
The volunteers also participated in community service by cleaning and painting parts of the longhouse.
The programme also featured a Bokashi waste management sharing session where the volunteers imparted the importance of managing waste effectively and carrying out other environmentally-friendly practices.
According to Curtin Malaysia’ s Acting Head of Health, Counselling and Disability Services and Student Experience, Norsari John, it was the first community outreach programme by the Curtin Volunteers! following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prior to the pandemic, similar programmes were organised every semester.
“Our volunteers gained valuable exposure to community engagement, further developing their understanding and empathy towards marginalised communities,” said Norsari.
Meanwhile, president of the Curtin Volunteers!, Jessie Mary Embong Felestine, said they are planning to organise another community outreach programme with another rural community soon.
