Santun Seri Senja: Bridging Generations with Love

By, Saffiyyah Alisha & Nur Soliha Sariman

PAGOH, 2 May 2025: A total of 87 students from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Pagoh Campus successfully organised a community service programme titled, “Santun Seri Senja” at Pusat Jagaan Mahmudah Malaysia in Semenyih on 2 May 2025. The programme, conducted as part of the “Kesantunan Berbahasa” (BMCO 3102) course, aimed to cultivate a spirit of compassion and social responsibility towards senior citizens often forgotten in their twilight years. The four-hour programme created countless meaningful memories between the students and the elderly residents, affectionately referred to as “Mak” and “Abah,” through various carefully planned modules.

Among the interactive group modules conducted were Detektif Hebat, Lakaran Jiwa, and Tali Ajaib, which were designed to foster two-way communication while observing the residents’ psycho-emotional responses. The Detektif Hebat module tested the seniors’ attentiveness to verbal instructions while blindfolded, encouraging students to practice respectful and polite communication. Meanwhile, Lakaran Jiwa allowed the elderly to express their emotions through butterfly-themed art using watercolors and sponges. Lastly, the Tali Ajaib module challenged their psychomotor coordination, as they worked together to remove ping pong balls from a box using only strings. All the balls were successfully extracted, highlighting their teamwork and motor skills.

The atmosphere was further enlivened with performances by the students, including acting and singing, aimed at uplifting the spirits of the residents. Songs like Hidup Sederhana, Paling Comel, and Kau Ilhamku were chosen based on the residents’ age group, ranging from 30 to 60 years old. Two of the residents also volunteered to sing, touching many hearts and even moving some students to tears with the emotion conveyed in their voices. The programme’s highlight was the Bicara Kasihsession, which opened an intimate space for students and residents to share life stories and stirring deep emotions on both sides. Students were also given the opportunity to visit bedridden residents in their rooms and tour the care facility.

In addition, a cash donation of RM1,000 was presented to Pusat Jagaan Mahmudah, raised through contributions by the student organisers, to help support the home’s operational costs. The organisers hope this donation will ease some of the financial burdens faced by the centre. They also expressed their hope that such programmes will continue to serve as practical applications of classroom knowledge, nurturing values of courtesy and empathy among the younger generation toward the elderly.***