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Kepong, 29 September 2012 - The Student Affairs and Alumni of UCSI University and the student development programme ambassador (UniYouth) came together and organised a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project called the “Sunshine Highway” for refugee children and also to show the importance of contributing to the minority community. The aim of the project was to make students understand their role of community service within their own community and the importance of cultivating a voluntary spirit. In addition, this project also assisted the children who are in need of education in a fun and fruitful element. 

The project was also supported and advised by United Nation High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR), Centres for Learning, which then allocated four refugee learning centres for this project. These refugee centres safeguards the rights and well-being of refugees and strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. 

There were a total of 50 participants including committee members and students from UCSI University. Dry food, stationeries and household item donations were given to each centre to support them in their cause. Among the sponsors were Kraft, Munchy, tshirtMalaya, Citywrite, ST Photostat and neighbouring shops of UCSI University. The team also managed to raise around RM 1,200 in cash donation that was converted into kind for all centres. 

Students were involved in a series of fun yet educational activities to instill friendship and communication building among the children. Some of the activities included were English teaching, sing along, dancing and games. The activities were well received by the children as they danced and sang along with cheer and laughter. The student themselves enjoyed the experience and learned the importance of volunteering and w participating in projects like this in the future. Below are some of the feedback of the projects: 

“The Centre is thankful for such a voluntary project from the community and wish that there will be monetary support from others to upgrade the centre for its maintenance and learning benefit towards the refugee children.” - Refugee Centre Person-in-charge 

“In my opinion, this project creates awareness to everyone that life is precious and we should appreciate what we have. Besides that, this creates a great base for people to be more helpful. This project should be carried out continuously by the university and community.” Sivanissh Elankovan, Organising Chairperson. 

“It was a warm feeling to see the students and children engaging each other in activities that resulted in them creating bonds. And In that one brief moment, problems and troubles were not the focus but joy and laughter.”Joel Christopher Jalleh, a Student of UCSI University.