Program at Ummu Salamah, Gerik, Perik

Abstract

Dr. Wan Afezah Wan Abdul Rahman, a lecturer at the School of Distance Education
(SDE) at Universiti Sains Malaysia, organized a community program at Ummu Salamah
Orphanage in Grik, Perak on 14 November 2014. The aim of the program was to contribute
to the orphans and give back to the community by creating and strengthening
communication networks between communities and SDE staff. On that date, as early as 7
am, the staff gathered at the SDE office to upload donated goods into vehicles. At 10 am, Dr.
Fatan made a welcome speech on behalf of the SDE and gave opening remarks. Later after
the welcome speech, Dr. Radziah organized games and activities for the kids while the staff
painted the inside and outside of the orphanage building. New curtains and curtain rails were
purchased and installed, followed by the installation of “tikar getah” (rubber mats commonly
used as flooring in the region). After the Zohor prayer led by Dr. Main Rindam, Dr. Main gave
a motivational speech. Later, Dr. Wan Afezah led the staff to spend some time to do more
fun activities with the orphans by creating origami art. Prior to the event, the School of
Distance Education staff collected the money amongst themselves. Donations of money,
kitchen goods, schools supplies, backpacks and school uniforms were donated to the
orphans at the orphanage. Additionally, the staff received sponsorship from Tesco, Pulau
Pinang in the form of packed food to the orphans and a donation of fabrics from Mydin Bukit
Jambul. The program ended at 4 pm and left an incredible mark on the participating staff.
They left with heavy hearts and good experiences.