Empowering Young Minds for Healthier Tomorrows: Human Biology Community Engagement Week 2025

The Human Biology Community Engagement Week 2025 was a vibrant showcase of collaboration, compassion, and community spirit. Organised by the Department of Human Biology, School of Medicine, in collaboration with the School of Veterinary Medicine, and supported by IMU Cares, this meaningful initiative was further enriched through partnerships with the Division of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science (School of Health Sciences), the Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre, and St John’s Ambulance, Malaysia.

Held from 23 to 26 June 2025, the event brought together 28 academic staff, over than 50 student volunteers, and multiple departments across IMU for four days of impactful, educational outreach. The programme took place at the IMU Bukit Jalil Campus, in partnership with refugee learning centres including the Chin Student Organisation School, Alliance of Chin Refugees (ACR) Learning Centre, and Lautu Education Centre. Through this collaboration, the initiative successfully reached 112 refugee children and 8 dedicated teachers, offering them a rare and enriching educational experience outside their usual learning environment.

With the theme “Physical Activity and Nutrition Knowledge for Good Health,” the programme featured interactive activities. The activities were arranged into four interactive stations, allowing the children to rotate through each one throughout the day—making learning dynamic, hands-on, and fun:

• Team A conducted the “Healthy Heart” station, where students engaged in interactive lessons about cardiovascular health. Using heart models and fun activities like Heartbeat Safari and the Rhythm & Pulse Challenge, children learned about heart rate, physical activity, and heart anatomy in an enjoyable and memorable way.
• Team B, in collaboration with the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science and the School of Veterinary Medicine, led sessions on nutrition and food safety. Children explored the Malaysian Healthy Plate concept and participated in activities to build their own balanced meals while also learning about hygiene and safe food handling practices.
• Team C, with support from St John’s Ambulance, delivered hands-on Basic First Aid Training. Children were taught how to manage burns, nosebleeds, choking, and cardiac emergencies. A highlight of this station was the CPR demonstration and an engaging tour of the ambulance, sparking both interest and excitement.
• Team D facilitated a team-building session using the Jenga game. This activity encouraged teamwork, communication, and trust-building.

Feedback from both participants and IMU staff highlighted the profound impact of the Community Engagement Week. Teachers expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity, noting how meaningful it was for the children to leave their usual surroundings and experience a day at IMU—something rarely accessible to them.

One teacher shared, “The kids were not only excited by the activities but by the experience itself. It was a rare and valuable opportunity.”

IMU staff also reflected positively, with one commenting, “Probably our department is the only one at IMU that has been consistently supporting adolescent students from underprivileged backgrounds over the years.”

The sense of joy, fulfillment, and unity was echoed throughout the week, with many calling it “a week well spent” and applauding the meticulous planning, teamwork, and infectious energy across all stations.

This meaningful week of connection, learning, and compassion truly reflects IMU’s ongoing commitment to shaping a healthier, more inclusive future for underprivileged students.