The School of Foundation (SoF) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has successfully launched the next phase of its one year programme with Elshaddai Refugee School on 14th March 2025.

Reaffirming its dedication to supporting refugee students, the first session of the year focused on mental health awareness and emotional well-being, marking a significant step toward holistic student development.

Lecturer responsible for overseeing the entire project:

1. Ms Iman Danish Sha (Lecturer, SoF at APU)

The first session (workshop) led by Ms Dhevaania C Gendsen (Lecturer, School of Psychology at APU) provided students with essential mental health knowledge and practical coping strategies, laying the foundation for emotional well-being.

On top of that, they identified their personal stressors and carefully selected strategies that resonated with them, such as breathing exercises, journaling, listening to music, and engaging in creative outlets.

This initiative not only equipped students with valuable tools to manage stress, but also empowered them to take control of their mental health, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and a proactive approach to emotional well-being.

Not to forget, this initiative builds on SoF’s ongoing collaboration with Elshaddai Refugee School, following the success of previous workshops, including digital literacy training in 2024. (This article can also be read on our website via this link: https://www.apu.edu.my/media/news/3147).

During that programme, APU volunteers guided students in digital storytelling using Microsoft PowerPoint, allowing them to showcase their creativity through presentations ranging from historical narratives to personal experiences.

In a nutshell, by integrating mental health education into their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, SoF aims to provide refugee students with the necessary skills and confidence to navigate emotional challenges.

Through continuous engagement, SoF and Elshaddai Refugee School remain committed to fostering a supportive learning environment that prioritises both academic and personal growth.