Students from INTI International University carried out a University Social Responsibility (USR) outreach initiative to introduce preschool children to the importance of hygiene through interactive, age-appropriate learning activities.
INTI staff and student volunteers pose with kindergarteners from the Q-dees Eco Majestic branch, where the hygiene outreach continued despite a power outage
Led by students from the Foundation in Science programme under the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, the outreach reached five Q-dees kindergarten branches: Eco Majestic, Hillpark 3 Eugenia, Setia Ecohill, Bandar Teknologi Kajang, and Setia Alam Sari.
Through storytelling, demonstrations and guided practice, the volunteers explained basic scientific concepts in ways young children could easily grasp. The sessions introduced kindergarteners to germs, proper handwashing techniques and the importance of maintaining daily healthy habits.
Teachers observed that the interactive approach encouraged curiosity and participation among the children. By incorporating gestures, games and visual storytelling, the volunteers connected hygiene lessons to routines that children encounter in their daily lives.
Guided by lecturers from the Life Sciences division, the programme combined academic learning with meaningful community engagement, allowing students to apply what they had learned outside the classroom while strengthening their leadership, teamwork and communication skills.
During the session at the Eco Majestic branch, an unexpected power outage affected the entire block. Despite the disruption, the volunteers continued the activity without electricity, adapting their approach through shadow play, demonstrations and hands-on interaction to keep the children engaged and calm.
“We tried to keep calm so the kids could keep calm as well when it happened,” said Henna Yoshini, who volunteered at Eco Majestic. “My team and I did not expect that it would happen, but we navigated by using shadow play and educational games.”
Representatives from sponsors Yayasan Muhibbah and Delicoco. Dr Jacynta Lo, Director of Yayasan Muhibbah, is pictured second from right, while Azizi Yahya from Delicoco is third from left.
Henna added that managing a large group of children for the first time initially felt overwhelming, but the experience helped her grow more confident in communicating with young learners.
Meanwhile, volunteers at the other kindergarten branches conducted their sessions in classrooms equipped for the planned activities. These sessions introduced children to hygiene awareness through storytelling, demonstrations and guided activities.
“I was glad that I could volunteer in this event, as I have had an interest in educating kindergarten kids and getting experience as well,” said Xie En, a student volunteer at Setia Ecohill. She shared that her team relied on gestures, actions and animated visuals during storytelling sessions to make the lessons easier for children to follow and remember.
The initiative also focused on preventive health education, introducing young children to proper hygiene practices at an early age. Through these activities, the volunteers encouraged habits that support safer learning environments and everyday well-being.
INTI student volunteers guide kindergarteners through proper handwashing steps during a practical outdoor hygiene demonstration.
Supporting the initiative were Yayasan Muhibbah and Delicoco, whose sponsorship of hand soaps and goodie bags added a practical element to the children’s learning experience. Rather than serving as simple tokens, these items allowed the children to immediately practise what they had learned during the sessions.
The collaboration also highlights the involvement of INTI alumna Dr Jacynta Lo, also known as Dr J, Director of Yayasan Muhibbah. A graduate of the Bachelor’s Degree in Business and IT programme in 2006 from the first Nilai campus cohort, she is currently pursuing her second PhD in Education at INTI International University. She shared that supporting the initiative was a natural extension of her commitment to giving back to the community.
“Yayasan Muhibbah strongly advocates social awareness, and this initiative reflects our commitment to supporting children’s hygiene education while promoting healthier communities,” Dr J said. “Our Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts focus on creating meaningful impact, and this project aligns closely with those priorities.”
Delicoco, a close business partner of Yayasan Muhibbah, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in encouraging positive health practices among young learners. As an INTI alumna, Dr J added that supporting the programme was also a meaningful way to contribute to her alma mater while continuing her academic journey.
INTI student volunteers conduct an interactive classroom activity, using visual prompts and storytelling to introduce young learners to hygiene awareness.
Her involvement reflects the strong ties between INTI and its alumni community, demonstrating how former students continue to support initiatives that benefit both current learners and the wider public.
Across the five Q-dees kindergarten branches, the outreach introduced children to germs, proper handwashing techniques and everyday hygiene habits through storytelling, demonstrations and guided activities, helping them understand the importance of cleanliness in their daily routines