APU’s School of General Studies (SoGS) students led the Back-to-School 2026 CSR project with Rumah Jalinan Kasih, providing 25 disadvantaged children with school supplies and financial support, while gaining hands-on experience in fundraising, teamwork, and leadership and promoting equal educational opportunities and social responsibility.

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In early January 2026, degree students from Intake APU1F2509 at the School of General Studies (SoGS) took the initiative to raise funds for Back-to-School 2026, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project, recognising the financial challenges faced by orphans and disadvantaged children.

Partnering with Rumah Jalinan Kasih in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, the project aimed to support children with essential school items and financial assistance for their education.

Led by SoGS Senior Lecturer, Dr Nurul Farhanah Mohd Nasir, the project was carried out in two phases.

In the first phase, on 9 January, eighteen children from Rumah Jalinan Kasih visited the Hari-Hari store to select their own school clothes and shoes. 

Allowing the children to choose items themselves not only provided them with essentials but also fostered a sense of dignity and confidence as they prepared to return to school.

The second phase, held on 23 January, provided ten secondary school students with financial support for school fees, books, and other educational needs. 

The timing was arranged carefully by Ibu Ella, owner of Rumah Jalinan Kasih, to ensure that all purchases aligned with school requirements and no funds were wasted on unused items.

In total, twenty-five children directly benefited from the initiative, which was made possible through APU student-led fundraising activities, including sales and events. 

The project had a meaningful impact, boosting the children’s readiness for school and alleviating financial barriers. 

For the students, it offered practical experience in teamwork, fundraising, and project management, while reinforcing values such as empathy, responsibility, and integrity.

Ibu Ella expressed her gratitude, “On behalf of Rumah Jalinan Kasih, I extend our deepest appreciation to the SoGS and all students from APU. Your dedication shows that young people can make a real difference in society. You have not only helped our children materially but also inspired them with kindness, responsibility, and hope.”

Mr Ragunathan Ayyavoo, Head SoGS, said the focus on community service reflects the school’s commitment to societal well-being and student development. 

“By linking initiatives like this to SDG4, we ensure that education goes beyond the classroom, empowering students to bring positive change to society.”

The project’s success was supported by passionate CC2 students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology. 

Under Ms Nurul Farhanah’s guidance, the 255 students learned that fundraising was more than just a financial endeavour — it was a transformative experience in leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility.

Group leader Sarvezwaran Surendran expressed, “This project taught us that leadership is not just about managing tasks, but it is about serving others and giving back to society.”

Riteikes A. Prakash added, “Teamwork was essential to hitting our sales targets efficiently, and our efforts paid off when we raised a significant amount for the Back-to-School project.”

Arasy Gabriel Aznan highlighted the personal growth gained through the experience, particularly in developing confidence while engaging with the community.

Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), the Back-to-School 2026 project promoted equal opportunities in education. 

It demonstrated how small-scale community service initiatives could create meaningful change for both beneficiaries and volunteers. 

The collaboration between APU students and Rumah Jalinan Kasih emphasised the power of collective action in ensuring every child has access to education and the chance to build a brighter future.