21st May 2008 - SEGi College, Malaysia international students got together to raise funds for the victims of the Nargis Cyclone survivors of Myanmar last week.

Organised by The Language Centre, the International Cultural Fair was championed by full-time international students studying English.

“Although the event was primarily centered to create an authentic communicative context for the students to use the English language and the secondary objective to raise funds for charity, the students received great support from fellow college-mates and staff for their effort to help the Nargis Cyclone survivors,” said Anita Toh, Head of the Language Centre, SEGi College, Malaysia.

The students who organised this event were from Iran, China, Uzbekistan, Africa, Mongolia, Somaliland, Yemen, Arab Saudi and Somalia. They sold food from their various countries, offered computer repair services, performed cultural dances, sang cultural songs and put up a fashion show.

Launched in the morning by the Principal, Mr. Lee Kok Cheng, who was said to have initiated the event, the international students went about the college promoting their event and selling cash coupons to other students and staff for the food stalls, as well as having a donation box for those who wish to give cash donation.

“The learning point of this exercise came through well for the students. They learn of persuasive language, presentation skills, report writing skills, teamwork and tolerance of different cultures, and time management and organisation skills,” said Anita.

The persuasive skills did indeed work. The total amount collected for charity was a decent six thousand five hundred Ringgit (RM6500.00).

“It is indeed a win-win event for us. The students got to practice their English language skills confidently and we did something good out of it by raising funds for the cyclone victims,” said Anita proudly.

“This was a fun way to use the English language and our students were proud to introduce their cultures to all the students at SEGi. Many students feel they are lucky to be alive and healthy and were keen to extend a helping hand to the cyclone survivors.”

The students and their lecturer, Fadzillah Hashim, will be going to The Star today to handover the cheque donation to The Star Myanmar Relief Fund.

The success of this event has certainly inspired the students to organize another fund-raising event for the earthquake survivors of China.

To find out more about SEGi College, Malaysia student activities and programmes, call 03-2070 2078 or 1800-88-SEGi, email to infokd@segi.edu.my or log on to www.segi.edu.my