Nursing is not limited to caring for individuals who are ill; it also encompasses the promotion of health and the prevention of disease. On 22 November 2025, a group of dedicated nursing students from IMU University came together with one shared goal, that was to make learning about personal hygiene fun and meaningful for a group of refugee children.

After more than a month of thoughtful preparation, the team carefully designed colourful health education posters, interactive quizzes, and exciting prizes to ensure the children not only learned but truly enjoyed the experience. Behind the scenes, lively discussions and idea-sharing took place among the six team members, Iman Chin and Nurul Fatihah from NU123, Devinia, Poh Jui Heng, and See Kai Wei from NU125 guided by their team leader, Alexa Nicole Santos Nakpil (NU123), whose leadership brought everything together. On the day itself, laughter, curiosity, and enthusiastic participation filled the room, reflecting the strong teamwork of the students and the genuine joy of the children.

Alexa Nicole Santos Nakpil

The most impactful learning occurred on the day of the programme itself. Despite our careful planning, connecting with the children was not as straightforward as I had expected. Some were shy, others easily distracted, and a few hesitant to participate.

As a leader, I initially focused on ensuring the programme ran smoothly; however, I soon realised that structure alone was not enough. Building trust and rapport was essential. This realization challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. I found myself adapting my communication style by using simple language, gestures, humour, and patience to gain the children’s attention and help them feel comfortable.

Through genuine presence and empathy, I learned that relationships cannot be forced, they must be built. When the children began to respond by smiling, asking questions, and eagerly participating, the experience became incredibly rewarding. This moment reinforced my understanding that effective health education starts with connection, and without trust, even the most well-designed lesson loses its impact.

Devinia A/P Ramesh Kumar

The most memorable part of the day was seeing the children successfully demonstrate the hand-washing steps after the presentation. Collaborating with my seniors made the experience even better, and it felt amazing to see that the teaching really worked.

Watching the children understand and follow the lesson gave me a huge sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. It was a wonderful first experience that made me feel happy and eager to participate in more outreach projects in the future.

Iman Chin Binti Sulayman Chin

The most memorable aspect of this gathering for me was the interaction we had with the children.

A significant part of my role that day involved educating them on hand hygiene through a song and a poster, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Seeing the children express their enthusiasm and making them laugh with funny expressions made this experience especially meaningful. This interaction highlighted the power of early exposure to education, even in something as fundamental as self-care.

As a nursing student and future healthcare professional, this exchange reinforced the importance of health promotion and preventive care in the long term. I hope that this brief encounter will leave a lasting impact on the children and encourage them to practice good hygiene habits in their daily lives.

Poh Jui Heng

Working with children helped me understand the importance of patience, empathy, and clear communication.

My favourite part was the dental knowledge drama, as it showed me how creative and interactive approaches can make health education more effective and enjoyable for children. Seeing how engaged they were made me realise that simple methods can have a big impact.

Overall, this experience helped me grow personally and strengthened my interest in serving the community and promoting health awareness.

See Kai Wei

The most memorable of that day – I thoroughly enjoyed the fun and education experience of teaching the children to sing, whether with the children, teachers of senior. We all worked together to accomplish meaningful tasks. This experience taught me the importance of patience, clear planning, and effective communication.

Although we encountered some minor setbacks at the beginning, things gradually improved, and we ultimately not only achieved our goals but also exceeded our expectations.

In short, this experience helped me grow personally and strengthened my passion for serving the community and promoting health awareness. I hope to have the opportunity to participate in similar activities again in the future, finding a deeper meaning in helping people.

This special day offered nursing students a meaningful, hands-on learning experience that went beyond planning and preparation. While the activities were well structured, truly engaging the children required flexibility, patience, and empathy. 

By using simple language, gestures, humour, and interactive tools such as songs, posters, and drama, students gradually built trust and connection. The most rewarding moment came when the children eagerly participated and confidently demonstrated proper hand hygiene. Working closely with seniors and teachers created a warm, supportive environment, showing that creativity, teamwork, and genuine connection are key to making health education effective and memorable.

Overall, this community engagement was a fulfilling and impactful experience that contributed to both personal and professional growth. It strengthened students’ understanding of health promotion, preventive care, and the role of empathy in nursing practice. By engaging with the community and witnessing the positive response from the children, students gained a deeper appreciation for outreach initiatives and their long-term impact. This experience has inspired a continued commitment to community service and health education, reinforcing the belief that meaningful change begins with connection, trust, and compassionate care.

Written by: Alexa Nicole Santos Nakpil, Devinia A/P Ramesh Kumar, Iman Chin Binti Sulayman Chin, Poh Jui Heng, See Kai Wei.
Reviewed by: Goh Lay Khim