Community Service Initiative

The community-based services in the CSI module for SABD are to expose us to the real-community living in real-life situation. We have to work together as a team for architectural, culture, and environmental enhancing activities in the communities of different social-economic status and social groups. The series of community services are offered as our empowerment projects, we are given the freedom to choose and to execute the project in the best possible manner, within the budget and time constraint given. This module will be running as our empowerment module.

 

In a group of 7 members, we had to provide a service to a community that need our help. After our research and discussion, we decided to choose Persatuan Kebajikan Komunity Harapan Selangor, a non- profit and non-government organization as our beneficiary which was suggested by our member, Ji Yann. The site that we chose was the teenage rehabilitation center, which was set up to rehabilitate teenage boys who face disciplinary issues and lost their direction in their life to aid them in turning over a new leaf towards the right track.

 

Before the site visit, we did some research about the space and produce some ideas as Ji Yann has been there before. The material that we chose to use is the recyclable materials as it can be environmental friendly and reduce wastes. For example, using the recycle wood pallet to build as a playscape, table and chair, storage and book rack. This might encouraged them to reuse some items and raise their awareness of recycling.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

During the site visit, we interviewed the person in charge who also the teacher of the teenage. She gave us some spaces to propose. The first space is the place where the teenage used for study. For this space, she wanted something that made the space more colourful and interesting as the space looked dull and boring. The second space is the place the teenage used for laundry and entertainment. For this space, she wanted the table which may last longer because they spent a huge sum of money to resolve the termite issue as the space is moist and not suitable for wooden table and chair. From this site visit, we also observed the rest area of the boys was kept very clean and pleasant in hygienic sense which showed the effort of organization in making sure the health of the boys and hygiene were not compromised. However, the teacher told us that the area was a dengue red zone because of the surrounding area attracted the mosquitoes and there was absence of mosquito nets to prevent that.  

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

Throughout the design process we did face some disagreement between us and the representative of Persatuan Kebajikan Komunity Harapan Selangor. We tried our best to change and propose our design until they accepted. Based on our discussion and conversation with the teacher and the teenage, we proposed a seating area comprising of reused tyre chairs, reused paint buckets and stationery holders at the study area. During the process of making the stationery holders, we engaged the involvement of the boys in completion. The teenage used their creativity to create their own stationery holder. Throughout the activity held, our members were able to increase the bond with the teenage. I believe, this is one of the core objectives of the module achieved during and after the activity was held. We also provided the mosquito nets with another group who also choose Persatuan Kebajikan Komunity Harapan Selangor as their site to ensure the boy’s well being.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

This project proved to be a great challenge to complete our proposed design with our hectic schedule but we managed our time wisely and completed all the tasks.We enjoyed every moment of our progress as we knew that we were doing something that help others and contributing to our society. It was very satisfying when we saw the excited face from the boys whenever we turn up to the center with something new in our hands. This gave us so much motivation to work harder to provide them with something that can brighten up their days. After doing this project, I feel very satisfaction. I realized that helping people is not just donated money or items to them, is that we can do something to make their life better and easier. It is also important that communicate with them to know what they think and what they need as an architect always do. Their expressions are always the motivation and inspiration on what we are going to do in our life.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

From this project, I learnt that service learning is a form of experiential education in which we engage in activities that address human and community needs together with structured opportunities intentionally designed to promote our learning and development. As a future architect, it is a good chance we learn to help other who need our help in architectural way to improve others life. The things that we get from them are the motivation and inspiration to help others more. I am grateful that I have the opportunities to use my skill as a future architect to serve the society and make the users life better and easier. This project has developed me a strong sense of social responsibility and be able to portray leadership qualities and being able to work effectively as a team.