16 June 2024, The workshops conducted at Batu Grace Children’s Home were made possible through a Community Grant from Universiti Sains Malaysia, which supported a comprehensive educational initiative aimed at enhancing the children’s skills and fostering their interest in STEM subjects, alongside education digitalization efforts. This initiative was further supplemented by contributions from several supportive friends and donors. 30 children were selected and actively participated in all the conducted workshops. The grant specifically facilitated the "Introduction to Computer, Windows OS & MS-Office Software" workshop, providing laptops and instructional materials which was conducted on the 1st June 2024. Here, the children learned essential digital literacy skills including navigating Windows OS, file management, and using Microsoft Office applications such as Word for document creation, Excel for basic data analysis, and PowerPoint for presentations. These skills not only bolstered their confidence in using technology but also prepared them for academic tasks and future career opportunities requiring digital proficiency.
In addition to financial support, the success of these workshops was significantly enriched by the dedicated efforts of 9 volunteers from the Engineering Indian Cultural Club (EICC), USM. These volunteers brought expertise in various fields, including digital literacy, electronics, and programming. They actively participated in organizing and facilitating the workshops, providing hands-on guidance, mentorship, and support to the children throughout the learning process. Their involvement not only enhanced the technical delivery of the workshops but also served as inspirational role models, motivating the children to explore new interests and pursue academic excellence in STEM subjects.
Led by Dr. Jagadheswaran Rajendran and Dr. Selvakumar Mariappan from Universiti Sains Malaysia, the grant leadership ensured strategic oversight and implementation of the workshops, aligning with educational objectives and fostering a supportive environment for the children. Their commitment to community outreach and educational equity underscored the university's dedication to making a lasting impact on the lives and educational trajectories of these underprivileged children.
In the "Introduction to Arduino: Hands-On Learning for Kids" workshop which was conducted on 8th June 2024, facilitated hands-on exploration of Arduino, an open-source electronics platform. Children received Arduino boards, electronic components (including LEDs, sensors, and motors), and tools necessary for building circuits and writing code using the Arduino IDE. Guided by instructors, they learned programming fundamentals and applied them to create projects like light displays and basic electronic sensors. This interactive approach not only sparked their creativity but also developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they troubleshooted and iterated their designs.
Then on 15th June 2024, the final workshop was the "Hands-On STEM: Building a Remote Control DIY Project," where children applied their newfound skills to construct RC cars. The grant supported the purchase of remote control components, construction materials, and tools essential for assembling functional vehicles. Through teamwork and collaboration, they tackled challenges in circuit design, mechanical assembly, and engineering skills, culminating in the successful operation of their RC cars. This project-based learning experience not only reinforced STEM principles but also instilled a sense of achievement and pride in the children as they witnessed the tangible outcomes of their efforts.
Overall, the workshops facilitated by the Community Grant from Universiti Sains Malaysia, with the invaluable support of volunteers from the Engineering Indian Cultural Club and leadership from Dr. Jagadheswaran Rajendran and Dr. Selvakumar Mariappan, provided a transformative educational experience for the children at Batu Grace Children’s Home. Beyond imparting technical skills, these workshops nurtured curiosity, confidence, and a passion for learning among the participants, empowering them to pursue academic excellence and future opportunities in STEM-related fields.
IECC Volunteers:
1. LINGESH A/L PRABAHAR
2. THRISHILA A/P MANIAM
3. KUGHAAN NAIR A/L MARAN NAIR
4. GOVIKRISNAAN A/L KANESEN
5. DEVEESH KUMAR A/L KAJENDRA KUMAR
6. JAYSHVINI A/P ARUVINTHAN
7. SHIVATHISHWARAN SIVAN
8. VEASHNEVI A/P RAGU
9. VEDAMITRAAN SELVANAYAGAM
