Orang Asli Voluntary Project

UTAR Community Service Society of Kampar Campus shared the gift of community service with the Orang Asli community in Kampung Kerawat, Simpang Pulai through a project called, “Orang Asli Voluntary Project” from 14 to 16 July 2017.

Organised in partnership with the Crisis Relief Squad of Malaysian Chinese Association and the 1Malaysia Community Alliance Foundation, the programme was aimed to engage with the Orang Asli community as well as to focus on the welfare of Malaysia’s indigenous people.

Student volunteers of Orang Asli Voluntary Project

Themed ‘Explore the Unseen’, the initiative involved a group of 30 students from UTAR Kampar Campus. The students underwent a three-day and two-night programme, where they worked with adults and children in the village, to acquire a greater understanding and foster empathy for the villagers’ unique needs.

A free health screening for the villagers

The programme was also aimed to develop the students’ leadership and management skills by running a series of activities for the villagers. Among the activities conducted throughout the programme were the tug of war, lucky draws, puzzle games, a dental check-up for children and free medical check-up for the adults. In addition to that, the campfire, an open-air fire in the camp used for cooking and as a focal point for social activity, was the highlight of all the activities conducted. The campfire session was used as a platform to learn about the cultural aspects of aborigines as well the other races in Malaysia.  

Promoting oral hygiene

Student volunteers and villagers singing and dancing around the campfire

Tan Boon Yi, the organising chairperson of the voluntary project enthused, “As an executive committee of the Community Service Society, I have a responsibility and I have always wanted to grab the opportunity to do something meaningful to the society. Orang Asli is a group of people who receive the least concern from the society nowadays. Thus, the main purpose of this event is to learn their culture and give more concern to them.” She added that this project was a success with the contribution of everyone who has involved.

The voluntary project is an effort to empower UTAR students to become leaders and productive members of society, who contribute towards improving the community. By participating in the project, the students had the opportunity to enhance their learning, leadership and life skills.