University Malaya Students Give Back Through Art

PETALING JAYA: University Malaya students volunteer themselves in an all-inclusive ‘Glass Painting’ class for kindergarten students at UM Kindergarten on the 4th of May 2018.

This merger was formed through an extra-curricular class called ‘The Basics of Glass Painting- GKR1003’where a compulsory volunteer program was a prerequisite to complete the course.

A total of 30 kindergarten students participated in this day-long program while monitored by both University Malaya students and kindergarten teachers.

“We have never had a class like this”, said a pleased Miss Faizah Johari, 24 a teacher who the students had allied with to carry out the program.

The program taught the kindergarten students of the uniqueness of the translucent paint used, as well as introducing to them simple brush stroke techniques.

The kindergarteners were seen to be completely immersed in their art projects while asking inquisitive questions.

University Malaya students maintained a good stance where they did not tell the young learners on what to draw, instead the kindergarteners were asked to follow their instinct.

“It was great to see the students gained confidence and were proud of their artwork. They also exhibited such good manners!” said Nur Nadiah Nasir, 21, a volunteering student.

CITra, the university’s Centre for Talent and Industrial Training has been offering courses such as glass painting, archery and cultural dances since 2001.

Associate Professor Dr Belinda Murphy, Director of CITra says 38, “It is important to teach students that there is more to university life than just the classroom”

University Malaya is one of the top universities in Malaysia in terms of providing volunteers to all corners of the world.