Care
Day at the National Science Centre, 10 April 2004, Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia
Report and photos by
Cheryl Teh / Tan Ju Nah
The IATSS Forum Alumni Malaysia held our first Alumni Care Day by organising a fun, educational visit to the National Science Centre
(NSC) in Bukit Kiara on the morning of Saturday, 10th April 2004. Thirty five (35) underprivileged children and their accompanying teachers from
Yayasan Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim Malaysia (YATIM) were invited to the Care Day. YATIM is a charity organisation running education and related services for underprivileged children from various homes and disadvantaged families.
| IATSS volunteers were at the NSC
around 9am to prepare and welcome the children. The
visit started with brief welcome speeches by IATSS
Malaysian Alumni President Dr Siti Nursheena,
followed by the Principle Assistant Director of
Education for the NSC Pn Zaharah and Pn Norhizan
from the Pusat Pendidikan Daerah Gombak. After the
speeches, the children were overjoyed to each
receive sponsored goodie bags containing vitamin
supplements, sun block, deep heat lotions, kids
toothbrush, colouring crayons, jumbo pens, Milo cans
and Kit Kats. For their education tour, they were
also given mineral water and fruits, all sponsored.
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The educational tour proper commenced with a visit to the outdoor Science Education Park where the children took part in the Fish Anatomy module (under the Aquatic Science
programme). Among the interesting facts they learned was the anatomy of fish (how do you know if a fish is male or female?) and the functions of each organ (what makes a fish a float?). One
'ikan keli' was sacrificed and dissected, in the name of science and education, so that the children could identify the anatomy. They then proceeded to the Hydroponic Shed to see plants grown without the use of soil as part of the Agriculture Science module. Followed by the fun Livestock Science area, where they made the acquaintance of the two resident ostriches, a few rabbits and sheep. Another interesting fact picked up - how to identify if an ostrich is male or female.
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After the Outdoor Science Park, the coolness of the air-conditioned Indoor Science Centre was a welcome relief to the children. They were 'let loose' there to explore and learn-through-play the numerous exhibitions and activities, including the current Nobel Prize exhibition. The IATSS volunteers distributed lunch and dessert to the children at the Canteen later. The children happily returned home clutching their bags of goodies, after what we hoped was an enlightening and educational experience. |
The Director of YATIM informed us that the children and most welfare homes usually have adequate food and shelter, but are sorely lacking in opportunities to expand their mind through educational programmes and visits. Hence, YATIM expressed their gratitude to the IATSS Alumni Forum and to
Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad, Zuellig-Pharma Sdn Bhd, VitaHealth, Coppertone and Permanis Sdn Bhd
for this wonderful opportunity.
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On behalf of the Committee, we would also like to give our heartfelt thanks to
Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad, Zuellig-Pharma Sdn Bhd, VitaHealth, Coppertone and Permanis Sdn Bhd, without whom the
Alumni Care Day would have not been as successful and fun for the children as it was. IATSS gave us the opportunity to experience many things not otherwise possible. Now we hope, in our own small way, to give others the opportunity to experience things they may not otherwise have a chance to. It may seem a simple thing to us, but to these underprivileged children, it could mean a lot. Your kind support is very much appreciated.
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