Empowering Communities and Cultivating Compassion: The Santunan Kasih Ramadan Initiative

Empowering Communities and Cultivating Compassion: The Santunan Kasih Ramadan Initiative

23 March 2025, Sunday

On March 23, 2025, the Planters Squad Club of UCYP University successfully organized the “Santunan Kasih Ramadan” program, a heartfelt corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative held at the Rumah Kebajikan Anak Yatim dan Asnaf Permata Al Kauthar. This four-hour event, which ran from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, was designed to bridge the social gap by sharing the blessings of the holy month with orphaned and underprivileged children. Beyond merely providing a communal iftar (breaking of fast) meal, the program served as a vital platform for university students to develop essential soft skills—such as leadership, interpersonal communication, and empathy—while actively contributing to the welfare of the local community.

The initiative was deeply rooted in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Green Campus principles, ensuring that social impact went hand-in-hand with environmental consciousness. To support SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), organizers carefully planned meal portions based on the exact number of participants to prevent food waste, while simultaneously minimizing the use of disposable materials to maintain a clean and sustainable environment. Education played a central role through the “Celik Tani” (Agri-Awareness) activity, which taught children to appreciate nature and food sources, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by fostering environmental stewardship from a young age.

The program concluded with a spiritual tazkirah (religious talk) and the presentation of donations and gifts, symbolizing a commitment to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By integrating experiential learning with community service, UCYP University continues to fulfill its mission of producing holistic, socially responsible graduates who are prepared to lead with both professional competence and a deep sense of humanity.

The impact of this program extends far beyond the four hours of its duration. For the members of the Planters Squad, the experience served as a transformative journey that enhanced their interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence. For the residents of the welfare home, it was a day of warmth, laughter, and a reminder that they are a valued part of society. As the event concluded with a communal iftar and a spiritual tazkirah, it left behind a legacy of compassion and a blueprint for future initiatives. By combining social welfare with environmental stewardship, UCYP University has successfully demonstrated its role as a leader in producing holistic graduates who are not only academically capable but also ethically driven to build a more sustainable and equitable world.