Methodist Pilley Institute (MPI) Diploma in Social Work students learned the importance of engagement when working with people with special needs through Program Rhythm – Ritma Kehidupan Harmoni at the campus on Sept 23, 2026.
The programme is a collaboration between MPI, Department of Social Welfare (JKM), Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) and Ministry of Higher Education, aiming to improve the well-being of senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities (OKU).
With such collaboration, students of MPI were tasked to come up with activities based on the theme given by JKM. Then, through the activities, they learned to evaluate the engagement level of the participants.
According to the MPI’s Head of Social Work Department, Francisca Numpang, participating in this programme is important for students to enhance their communication skills, networking abilities, and engagement skills when working with people with special needs.
“The programme also provided students with practical experience in observing and evaluating children, as each Social Work student was assigned to work with one child.
“Through the activities, students will gain a better understanding of how to assess children based on four components – physical abilities, emotional well-being, interactions, and participation,” she said.
She added that the students also learned to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in their Social Work studies to a real-life setting. Apart from that, they also learned about working and networking with government agencies and learned about therapy programmes.
Social Work student Rachel Nafthalia anak Johnny said she learned the importance of engagement and the way they interact with people with disabilities.
“For me personally, I could see that they were having so much fun and they engaged and responded well during our activities,” she said.
Farhana binti Abdullah learned that the environment must be designed with adaptable, flexible structures so every individual, regardless of age or ability, can ensure a sense of belonging in the community.
“Managing these diverse needs improves my hands-on problem-solving skills, patience, empathy and flexibility in activities,” she pointed out.
Esther Tang said she learned effective communication skills the most, especially when communicating with people with disabilities – understanding their needs and being patient enough to listen to their thoughts and feelings.
She also learned to have clarity when she was trying to explain things. Apart from that, she learned that patience and respect are important when interacting with people with disabilities.
“Instead of rushing to help them or assuming that they cannot do something, we should give them enough time and space to try for themselves. I realised that giving them this opportunity is also a form of respect,” she said.
Meanwhile, Boston Ho was representing the Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang to officiate the event. The opening was also attended by Deputy Director (Federal) of JKM Mohd Ali Taib and MPI’s Director of Academic Affairs Alexander Augustine Druce.
Meanwhile, the Diploma in Social Work is a two-and-a-half-year programme accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
It covers three components – knowledge, skills, and values.
Graduates with this certification are not only eligible to work in Malaysia, whether in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or government agencies, but they also have job opportunities abroad.
To get to know more about the programme, contact MPI at 011-55568806.