APU Empowers Refugee Youth with Digital Storytelling

In a shining example of purposeful collaboration, the School of Foundation Studies (SoF) and the School of Technology (SoT) at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) have joined hands to launch a meaningful CSR initiative aimed at empowering marginalised communities. 

The project, which officially commenced on 13 June 2025, features a series of IT-based workshops for children at the Elshaddai Refugee School, running from June through August. 

At the heart of this initiative is a strong belief in the transformative power of digital literacy. Through carefully curated, skill-based sessions, the project aims to help refugee students navigate and thrive in today’s increasingly digital world. 

A Creative Introduction to Technology 

The opening session set a vibrant tone for the programme. Led by Ts Umapathy Eaganathan, Senior Lecturer at SoT, the session introduced the concept of digital storytelling to the students. 

Lasting 1.5 hours, it was far from a traditional classroom experience — it was an immersive, creative, and inspiring exploration of how technology can amplify communication. 

The children were taught how to structure a simple narrative, design captivating slides, incorporate relevant visuals, and record their narration — all using PowerPoint and laptops. With the guidance of dedicated APU student volunteers, each child received individual attention and support, transforming their raw curiosity into tangible digital creations. 

A Full-Circle Moment

What made the session even more meaningful was the use of laptops donated by SoT in 2024. These devices, once gifted as tools of opportunity, have now come full circle — serving as vital instruments for learning and empowerment. For many of the children, this was their first time using a laptop, and their sheer excitement was unmistakable. 

Watching the students beam with pride as they navigated the software, created their first digital stories, and presented them to the class was a powerful testament to how access to technology can reshape learning experiences. 

Tangible Impact in Just One Session

The outcomes of the first session were both immediate and heartening:

• Hands-on digital exposure: Students engaged with digital tools they had never encountered before.
• Technology as a gateway: Children began to see tech not merely as entertainment but as a platform for storytelling, self-expression, and potential career paths.
• Boost in confidence: As students presented their projects, a visible growth in self-belief emerged.
• Readiness to learn more: Volunteers reported the students’ quick grasp of concepts and their eagerness for upcoming sessions.
   

This early success has laid a strong foundation for the two-month programme, which promises more hands-on workshops designed to build on these newly acquired skills. 

Charting the Future with Purpose

Dr Sarvinder Kaur, Head of the School of Foundation Studies, expressed her appreciation for the collaboration and its broader social impact. “We are excited for what’s ahead and deeply grateful to the facilitator Ts Umapathy, our student-volunteers, and the School of Technology for their continued commitment to uplifting and educating marginalised communities through practical, skill-based learning,” she shared. 

As the workshops continue over the next two months, this partnership between APU and the Elshaddai Refugee School stands as a reminder that even modest efforts, when driven by empathy and expertise, can spark significant change, giving youth not only access to knowledge but also hope for a better future.