Humanitarian Affairs Curtin Sarawak organises ‘Shazam Camp’ for orphans

Miri – 17 October 2016 – Humanitarian Affairs Curtin Sarawak (HACS), a student-run organisation of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) engaged in humanitarian relief efforts and development programmes, recently organised a 2 day-1 night camp for 56 orphans of Kompleks Kebajikan Hamidah Yakup.

The aim of the ‘Shazam Camp’ at the university campus was to motivate the orphans to excel in their studies and pursue higher education in the future. Trust, unity and love were the theme of the camp and the children learned these virtues through fun games and activities.

They were divided into groups, each led by a facilitator from HACS. Group activities such as the ‘Maze Runner’ and ‘String Bonding’ helped the children hone their communication and teamwork skills.

‘It was truly an amazing experience for the HACS volunteers, engaging with the orphans and seeing them have so much fun, especially during the games,” remarked event organiser Sakti Satesh Rames.

During the camp’s ‘Gala Night’ at the end of the first day, the children, accompanied by their facilitators, performed skits, dances and songs. It was an opportunity for the children to unleash their talents and made their experience at the camp even more memorable.

Both the orphans and the volunteers had an early start the next day with an energetic morning workout prior to the final session of the camp. The theme of ‘love’ was demonstrated during the final session with sugar cubes hung up on a wall for each child to write ‘sweet notes’ to their friends to show their love and appreciation.

President of HACS, Dexter Stanley Guang, expressed hopes that orphans will continue to be inspired to do well in school.

“I hope the camp has left a lasting impression on them and that they will be motivated to pursue higher education in the future, having learned about the benefits of a higher education,” said Dexter.

“On behalf of all my friends, I would like to thank HACS for giving us this memorable experience. It has helped to strengthen the bond between all of us at Kompleks Kebajikan Hamidah Yakup,” said Siti Nur Amalina Abdullah, one of the orphans.

The ‘Shazam Camp’ was supported by Curtin Sarawak’s Department of University Life.

Humanitarian Affairs Curtin University Sarawak Student Chapter or Humanitarian Affairs Curtin Sarawak (HACS) is part of Humanitarian Affairs, United Kingdom – a London-based social enterprise that initiates and supports humanitarian relief efforts and development programmes in countries that are poverty-stricken and disaster-prone.

Through such activities, HACS provides its members various opportunities to engage in humanitarian service, strengthen their awareness of diverse cultures, and develop a lifelong commitment to helping others. For more information on HACS, email humanitarianaffairs.curtin@gmail.com.

The orphans played games that promoted the virtues of trust, unity, and love.

Teamwork skills being put to the test.

Orphans having fun with their facilitator.