On 26th June, 53 students from Cardiff Sixth Form College arrived in Malaysia for the College’s annual Goodwill Ambassador Programme (GAP).
Now in its eighth year, GAP offers students the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in the area of their future degree subject or desired career, whilst at the same time giving back to the local community.
Providing a unique combination of academic study, super-curricular activities and fun excursions, this year’s programme lasted for a total of 13 days, including nine days in Kuching (on the island of Borneo in East Malaysia) and four days in Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur.
Kuching: The first five days of GAP saw the students engage in both simulated and real-life training, and work experience placements. Students interested in studying healthcare at university attended the Sarawak General Hospital and the Normah Specialist Hospital, while aspiring medics spent an extra half day in UNIMAS (the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Malaysia, Sarawak). Meanwhile, economics students visited the Sarawak National Audit Department and the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation, whereas engineering hopefuls went to Jurutera Minsar; an engineering consultancy. Finally, one student interested in studying law attended Azmi and Co. Advocates law firm.
In addition, the students taught children from a local Muslim orphanage sponsored by the college. The students collected over £265 for learning resources and entertained them for three separate nights, teaching them English through the medium of play.
Following this, the students enjoyed free time in which to engage in leisure activities in Kuching including a Kuching city tour, Matang Wildlife Centre, Sarawak Cultural Village, Damai Beach and a boat cruise down the Sarawak River.
Kuala Lumpur: After arriving in Kuala Lumpur on 5th July, the students enjoyed three full days of leisure time. This included a visit to Buddhist place of worship, Thean Hou Temple and Hindu holy site, Batu Caves to demonstrate Malaysia’s multi-faith approach to the students.
Following on from this, the students visited Central Market (a Malaysian craft market) as well as the futuristic Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC) in central KL. In the evening, they visited China Town.
On their last day in KL, the students had the opportunity to visit Sunway Lagoon; one of the largest water pleasure parks in Asia.
Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Batchelor who organised this year’s GAP trip, and to Mrs Parkinson for her valuable input. In addition, we would like to thank the original founder of the GAP concept, Mrs. Nasreen Akhter, for helping us to make the programme possible by ensuring that all necessary arrangements were in place and the accompanying staff, Mrs. Clyde, Mrs Owens, Dr. Godfrey and Mr. Hughes, for ensuring the smooth running of the programme while in Malaysia.
To hear what our students thought of their GAP experience, please visit our brand new Student Blog where you can read a selection of accounts from students who attended the trip.
Categories: News
