At a Glance
- IMU University’s Department of Human Biology organised its third annual Community Engagement Week from 22 to 26 June 2026.
- The five-day programme involved 31 faculty members and 20 student volunteers.
- Refugee school children from four partner schools participated in interactive sessions on nutrition, hygiene, artificial intelligence (AI) and first aid.
- The initiative promoted health literacy, digital awareness and essential life skills through experiential learning.
- Positive feedback from partner schools highlighted the programme’s educational value and meaningful community impact.
Promoting Health Literacy, Life Skills and Digital Awareness Through Community Engagement
The Human Biology Community Engagement Week 2026 was organised by the Department of Human Biology, School of Medicine, IMU University with the participation of 31 faculty members and 20 student volunteers, reflecting strong interdisciplinary collaboration and sustained commitment across the university.
This marks the third consecutive year that the Human Biology (HB) team has successfully delivered this community engagement initiative, demonstrating consistency, excellence, and strong organisational capability. Each year, the programme has grown in impact and refinement, reflecting the dedication, teamwork, and passion of the HB staff in creating meaningful outreach experiences.
Bringing Interactive Health Education to Refugee School Children
The programme was conducted over five days from 22 to 26 June 2026 at IMU Bukit Jalil Campus in collaboration with partner schools including the Alliance of Chin Refugees (ACR) Learning Centre, Lautu Education Centre, CSO Cheras, and Han International School. It reached a diverse group of refugee school children, providing them with valuable learning opportunities in a safe and supportive environment.
Four Educational Stations That Inspired Learning
The programme featured four interactive educational stations designed to promote health literacy, life skills, and digital awareness.
These included:
- Healthy Plate, Happy Family, which promoted balanced nutrition and healthy eating habits;
- Hygiene Heroes, focusing on personal hygiene and disease prevention;
- AI Learning Explorers, introducing digital literacy and responsible use of artificial intelligence; and
- Little Lifesavers, which provided hands-on training in basic first aid and emergency response skills.
The experiential nature of these sessions ensured active participation and meaningful learning for all students involved.
Positive Feedback from Partner Schools
Feedback from participating schools was highly positive:
- CSO Cheras described the experience as unforgettable, highlighting the valuable life skills gained by the students.
- Han International School expressed deep appreciation for the thoughtful planning and effort invested, noting that the programme created a meaningful and enjoyable learning environment, with particular praise for the organisation, meals, and overall arrangements.
Strengthening Community Partnerships Through Education
Overall, the Community Engagement Week 2026 once again demonstrated the university’s commitment to community engagement, social responsibility, and experiential learning.
The continued success of this programme for the third year in a row reflects the dedication and excellence of the Human Biology staff in sustaining impactful community outreach initiatives. It also strengthened collaboration among faculty, students, and partner organisations in delivering meaningful educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
Thoughts Shared