Early Childhood Studies workshops

Puan Huda (centre) with the Early Childhood Studies students

The Department of Early Childhood Studies organised not one, but two workshops for 45 students on 29 August 2015. The first workshop kicked off in the morning and concerned important aspects of food handling.

The workshop was run by Puan Huda from the Jabatan Pemakanan Malaysia. Completion of the workshop, in addition to passing a short examination, results in a certificate recognised throughout Malaysia which enables the holder to legally handle food for public consumption. The implication of obtaining this certificate is that if they so choose to, students will have the option of one day entering the food and beverage industry. Of course, the true purpose of the workshop was to better equip students of Early Childhood Studies with sufficient knowledge on food handling, so they may safely nourish the infants in their care.

Puan Huda led the participants through the basics of food hygiene, which included some informative photographs and videos about what can go on behind the scenes during food preparation. They were shown the correct way to buy, store, handle, and cook food safely, with clear examples of appropriate storage and cooking temperatures for several different kinds of food. Also, the importance of keeping separate preparation boards for wet and dry food was emphasised, such as avoiding salad preparation on the same chopping board used to chop raw chicken.

The workshop then moved on to the subject of the legal requirements for dealing with waste water from the cooking and preparation process as well as washing up, including the importance of a proper grease trap. Finally the participants sat for a short examination testing them on the knowledge learned, and fortuitously everyone passed and was able to receive their certificate. The certificate remains valid for a lifetime without the need for renewal.

After a simple lunch, the participants continued with the second workshop of the day, which was all about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The workshop was specially tailored to focus on CPR procedures for infants, although some general CPR information and practice was given. The session was led by M. Bala from the Jabatan Kesihatan Malaysia. A lively and animated communicator, Mr Bala’s expert delivery kept everyone focused on this important topic.

Students got to experience some real hands-on CPR practice. The range of lessons included mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, techniques to prevent death by choking, and most important of all, infant CPR practised on delicate infant dummies. This workshop too provided students with a lifelong certificate to attest that they had undertaken a course on CPR for babies; a valuable experience which could mean the saving of a life.

Practising mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

Bala (left) demonstrating CPR for babies on infant dummies

Bala with the Early Childhood Studies students