Experiencing muhibbah spirit through gardening

Group photo of participants after the gardening session

A total of 20 students and staff participated in the “Gardening gotong-royong” activity, held at Central 19 Community Garden, Petaling Jaya, Selangor on 8 July 2023.

The four-hour gardening activity served as a platform for students to gain valuable experience and learn the muhibbah spirit shown by the community. The activity also provided an opportunity for the participants to engage with a wider society.

Mr Sathis from the Global Environmental Centre (GEC) was invited to share his experience on the River Care project to increase environmental literacy among the participants. Aside from that, the participants were also able to learn about water quality inspection, hydroponic and composting during the vegetable garden tour, led by some seniors before the gardening session began.

Lim, the chairperson of Section 19 residential association, mentioned, “Community, contribution, and connection are crucial in sustaining the community garden, especially in the urban setting. Through the community garden, I got to expand my knowledge in gardening and get to know my neighbours. All the harvested vegetables and fruits, free from pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizer, are shared or distributed to neighbours and the surrounding residents. Spending time for gardening activity is beneficial for our mental health as it involves the practice of mindfulness.”

Students enjoying the gardening activity

The Central 19 Community Garden began with a plot of abandoned land at Section 19, Petaling Jaya. It was manned by Faculty of Creative Industries lecturer Lim Wai Ping Penny just before the Movement Control Order took place during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Central 19 Community Garden has received financial and technical support from Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ), Water Project, Spark Foundation, Heng Kee Co. Sdn Bhd, and Global Environmental Centre (GEC), as well as assistance from senior citizens at Section 19.

The Central 19 Community Garden is the second community garden approached by the Department of Student Affairs of Sungai Long Campus after TTDI The Edible Community Garden at Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. The University is proud to have academics who are involved in community activities. They take the initiatives to serve the society through community projects besides running their professional teaching career.

Students removing excessive plants

Students preparing the mixture of soil

Sharing session among the residents and students