SEGi College Penang’s Diploma in Psychology students conducted an impactful event with the Cerebral Palsy (Spastic) Children’s Association of Penang. Led by Psychology lecturer Thanesvary, this initiative was part of the Biological Psychology module, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience. The event aimed to enhance the understanding of cerebral palsy and its effects on children’s biological and cognitive functioning, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
The event began with a briefing by Adrian and fellow educators from the association, who provided an overview of their initiatives and the challenges children with cerebral palsy face. Students were then tasked with designing and conducting stimulating activities tailored to the children’s needs. These activities included bookmark making, air clay modelling, collage painting, and aerobic dance sessions, all aimed at engaging the children in a fun and therapeutic manner.
During these activities, students observed the children’s behaviour to gain insights into their attention span, memory, engagement, communication, and socio-emotional skills, including self-expression. This practical experience allowed students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities associated with cerebral palsy. The hands-on nature of the event underscored SEGi’s commitment to providing quality education through experiential learning.
In addition to working directly with the children, students had the opportunity to interview their parents. These interviews provided valuable insights into the children’s medical history, types of interventions, and diagnostic processes. Understanding these aspects helped students appreciate the multifaceted nature of cerebral palsy and the holistic approaches required to support these children effectively.
The event received positive feedback from both students and educators, highlighting the initiative’s success. The collaborative effort not only benefitted the children and their families but also enriched the educational experience of SEGi’s psychology students. By engaging with the Cerebral Palsy (Spastic) Children’s Association of Penang, SEGi demonstrated its dedication to community service and its role in fostering inclusive education.
This initiative is a testament to SEGi’s ongoing efforts to integrate community engagement into its curriculum, preparing students to become compassionate and skilled professionals. The experience gained from this event will undoubtedly contribute to the students’ professional development and their ability to make meaningful contributions to society.
SEGi is committed to continuing such collaborations, ensuring its students have the skills and knowledge necessary to support diverse communities. Through initiatives like these, SEGi reinforces its position as a leader in higher education, dedicated to promoting well-being and quality education in line with the United Nations’ SDGs.