My time volunteering for The Urban Mapper Project on behalf of Friends of Kota Damansara has been fulfilling. We’ve achieved goals while noting many points of improvement as one only can after actually executing a project. For example, along the way we learned that it takes more than one-off explanations to convey to children (ages 7-12) basic information on balanced diets. Communicating the components of the MyPlate system took longer than expected as there were challenges of focusing at However, it was reassuring to know that the children completed the program knowing their food groups better and knowing what they should eat more and less of. Furthermore, the introduction of concepts like flavouring, and complex versus simple carbohydrates benefited the children. Food Ninja was just as educational to me that it was to the children. I was not conscious of some of the concepts covered during the program prior to it.
The quality of leadership within the organizing committee was reflected in the flow and outcome of the program. I admire the commitment put in by the AIESEC participants, both local and international, as well as by Yasmin of #BetterCities. Yasmin had done a very good job balancing between providing AIESEC participants direction and allocating them the space to design the project’s lesson plan. She exemplified what a good facilitator is, a role the participants aimed to develop during the project.
I specifically enjoyed watching the dynamic among the diverse mix of AIESEC participants. The synergy among Amy (China), Shimy (Egypt), Will (England), Kharisma (Indonesia), Samanata (Nepal), and the local participants was particularly a healthy sight for the children of the Kota Damansara PPR. The beginning of the program showed tension between cliques of Indian and Malay children. Fortunately, this was resolved after several fun group activities. The exchange participants had an excellent chemistry creating a fun, conducive atmosphere at meetings and during the program. More importantly, their cooperation was inspiring and had set a great example for the children to follow.
THUMP has given me a great opportunity to understand the children of the Kota Damansara PPR albeit over a short period of time. On that note, I would like to extend my gratitude to AIESEC Sunway for welcoming me in the project and to Ghanasan and Navin for their housekeeping assistance at the Kota Damansara PPR.
The quality of leadership within the organizing committee was reflected in the flow and outcome of the program. I admire the commitment put in by the AIESEC participants, both local and international, as well as by Yasmin of #BetterCities. Yasmin had done a very good job balancing between providing AIESEC participants direction and allocating them the space to design the project’s lesson plan. She exemplified what a good facilitator is, a role the participants aimed to develop during the project.
I specifically enjoyed watching the dynamic among the diverse mix of AIESEC participants. The synergy among Amy (China), Shimy (Egypt), Will (England), Kharisma (Indonesia), Samanata (Nepal), and the local participants was particularly a healthy sight for the children of the Kota Damansara PPR. The beginning of the program showed tension between cliques of Indian and Malay children. Fortunately, this was resolved after several fun group activities. The exchange participants had an excellent chemistry creating a fun, conducive atmosphere at meetings and during the program. More importantly, their cooperation was inspiring and had set a great example for the children to follow.
THUMP has given me a great opportunity to understand the children of the Kota Damansara PPR albeit over a short period of time. On that note, I would like to extend my gratitude to AIESEC Sunway for welcoming me in the project and to Ghanasan and Navin for their housekeeping assistance at the Kota Damansara PPR.