By Parameswari Namasivayam

SERDANG, 10 Dec – Students and staff of the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology (BSM) from the Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (FBSB), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) with the collaboration of Tech Outreach Malaysia, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), had organised a community program called the ‘Science Camp Fundraiser’ which was aimed at raising funds for the needs of underprivileged children.

The proceeds from the program were donated to the Children’s Education Fund in Keningau, Sabah under the auspices of Tech Outreach Malaysia.

Program Director, Associate Prof. Dr. Parameswari Namasivayam said that the funds raised will be used to improve the infrastructure and the learning needs of the children.

“These children also need quality education as a basic need to guarantee a bright future,” she said.

“The main aim of this event is to provide a space for children and adolescents to have fun while conducting science experiments. Indirectly, this program hopes to capture the interest of the young generation and motivate them to pursue a career in science, inculcate ethical values in students, demonstrate trustworthiness as well as volunteerism and cooperation,” she added.

Ninety students from the Department of BSM conducted the activities with the 150 children or adolescents who participated in the program. The activities included building models, simulation, games, puzzles and science experiments. 

“The program is also expected to leave a positive impact on the community by establishing external relations between the university, the industry and the community,” she said.

Some of the activities in the program were 15 fun science activities and seven recreational activities such as clown show, henna tattoo, face painting, haunted house,  ‘mysterious factors’, stalls selling used goods as well as food and beverages. - UPM

Date of Input: 21/12/2017 | Updated: 02/01/2018 | syifarida