Splash of Confidence Beyond Sight: Program Renang Bersama Pelajar OKU: Kurang Penglihatan
Helping the Underprivileged Community
Water sports and recreational activities are often considered challenging for visually impaired individuals due to limitations in spatial awareness, balance, and confidence in aquatic environments. In Malaysia, access to swimming training for this group remains limited, and a lack of exposure to water safety techniques increases the risk of accidents while preventing them from enjoying the physical and psychological benefits of swimming.The "Splash of Confidence Beyond Sight" program was established to bridge this gap by providing inclusive and safe swimming training for visually impaired students. This program not only helps participants develop basic swimming skills but also enhances self-confidence, reliance on other senses, and social interaction in a supportive environment.Furthermore, this initiative promotes inclusive sports participation, aligning with the principles of "sports for all" and government efforts to ensure equality in physical activities for people with disabilities. With guidance from experienced trainers and facilitators, participants receive tailored training approaches that cater to their specific needs, ensuring a positive and beneficial experience.
Overview of Issue / Background
Water sports and recreational activities are often considered challenging for visually impaired individuals due to limitations in spatial awareness, balance, and confidence in aquatic environments. In Malaysia, access to swimming training for this group remains limited, and a lack of exposure to water safety techniques increases the risk of accidents while preventing them from enjoying the physical and psychological benefits of swimming.
The "Splash of Confidence Beyond Sight" program was established to bridge this gap by providing inclusive and safe swimming training for visually impaired students. This program not only helps participants develop basic swimming skills but also enhances self-confidence, reliance on other senses, and social interaction in a supportive environment.
Furthermore, this initiative promotes inclusive sports participation, aligning with the principles of "sports for all" and government efforts to ensure equality in physical activities for people with disabilities. With guidance from experienced trainers and facilitators, participants receive tailored training approaches that cater to their specific needs, ensuring a positive and beneficial experience.
Project Objectives (Vision & Mission)
Vision
To empower visually impaired students by building their confidence, independence, and swimming skills in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment, promoting equality in sports and recreational activities.
Mission
- Enhancing Water Confidence: To help visually impaired students develop self-assurance and comfort in aquatic environments.
- Providing Water Safety Awareness: To equip participants with fundamental swimming skills tailored to their needs, ensuring safety and accessibility.
- Promoting Water Safety Awareness: To educate participants on essential water safety techniques to reduce risks and encourage independent movement in water.
- Fostering Social Inclusion: To create an environment that encourages interaction and teamwork, strengthening the social skills of visually impaired individuals.
- Advocating for Equal Sports Opportunities: To support the integration of visually impaired individuals into mainstream sports and physical activities, fostering a more inclusive society.
Project Details (Activities and Tasks)
The "Splash of Confidence Beyond Sight" program consists of structured activities and tasks designed to provide a safe, engaging, and inclusive swimming experience for visually impaired students. Through interactive sessions, the program ensures participants gain confidence in the water, learn essential swimming techniques, and develop social connections.
Pre-Program Preparation
- Participant Registration & Screening: Gathering participants' details, assessing swimming experience, and identifying specific needs.
- Facilitator & Trainer Briefing: Training facilitators on adaptive swimming techniques and safety procedures for visually impaired individuals.
- Equipment & Venue Setup: Ensuring the swimming pool is equipped with safety gear, guiding tools, and accessibility features for participants.
Program Activities
Introduction to Water & Confidence Building
- Guided water familiarization exercises.
- Breathing techniques and relaxation in water.
Basic Swimming Techniques
- Floating, kicking, and arm movements.
- Assisted swimming with facilitators and trainers.
Group-Based Interactive Sessions
- Partner-based swimming activities to enhance teamwork.
- Social integration exercises to build peer support.
Motivational & Reflection Session
- Sharing participant experiences and progress.
- Encouraging continuous learning and engagement in sports.
Post-Program Activities
- Feedback & Assessment: Evaluating participant's progress and gathering feedback for future improvements.
- Certificate & Recognition Ceremony: Acknowledging participant achievements and facilitator contributions.
-
Puteri Nurzalina1 year agoRM 100.00Do ur best -
Shazreen1 year agoRM 10.00
-
MASNINA BINTI MASLAN1 year agoRM 10.00
-
Khairul Amri1 year agoRM 100.00
122% of RM1,000.00 Goal
Project Information
| University name | : | Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia UPNM |
| Project leader name | : | Muhammad Hanif bin Che Hamid |
| Instagram link | : | https://www.instagram.com/splashofconfidence_upnm?igsh=MWF6aXU3Y2RyODdidQ== |
| Project implementation date | : | 2025-01-08 |
| Location of project held | : | Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) |
| Beneficiary | : | To help the blind to be confident in the water |
Section I
Final Report Section I
Summary of Project Goals:
The Splash of Confidence Beyond Sight program aimed to provide visually impaired students with swimming skills to enhance their confidence and safety in water environments. Additionally, the program sought to promote inclusivity in sports and foster social integration among participants.
Fund-Raising Contributions:
Yes, other fund-raising efforts contributed to the project. We received support through sponsorships from corporate organizations, individual donations, and collaboration with local NGOs advocating for persons with disabilities. These contributions helped cover training materials and rent fees for swimming facilities.
Project Implementation:
The project was conducted in several phases:
- Planning and Coordination: Identifying suitable participants, securing a safe swimming facility, and recruiting trained instructors.
- Training Sessions: Providing guided swimming lessons with adaptive teaching methods tailored for visually impaired students.
- Engagement Activities: Conducting interactive games and motivational talks to encourage participants' confidence and social interaction.
- Evaluation and Feedback: Gathering responses from participants, instructors, and stakeholders to assess the program's impact and areas for improvement.
Challenges Faced:
- Unanticipated Difficulties: Some participants experienced initial anxiety and required extended one-on-one coaching.
- Budget Constraints: Additional costs for safety equipment and trained instructors exceeded initial estimates, requiring adjustments in resource allocation.
- Language or Cultural Barriers: Some participants spoke different dialects, necessitating bilingual instructors for effective communication.
Successes and Limitations:
- What Worked Well: Personalized coaching, adaptive teaching strategies, and strong community support facilitated participants' progress.
- What Didn't Work Well: Limited access to specialized swimming facilities posed a challenge, requiring modifications to training sessions.
Beneficiaries:
Approximately 25 visually impaired students directly benefited from the program, along with volunteers, instructors, and the broader community who gained awareness and experience in inclusive sports education.
Long-Term Impact and Sustainability:
The program fosters lifelong swimming skills for visually impaired students, enhancing their safety and confidence. the sustainability of this project is ensured through continued partnerships with educational institutions, NGOs, and sponsors. Future iterations of the program may include advanced training sessions and expansion to other disability groups, ensuring broader inclusivity and long-term impact.
Section II
Contribution to Happiness:
In the short term, the Splash of Confidence Beyond Sight program provided participants with a sense of accomplishment and joy through learning a new skill. It fostered a supportive community where visually impaired students felt safe, included, and encouraged. The experience also brought happiness to volunteers and instructors who witnessed the participants' progress and newfound confidence.
In the long term, the program instilled essential life skills in the participants, promoting independence and self-reliance. By equipping them with the ability to swim, the program enhanced their overall well-being and safety in water environments. Additionally, it raised awareness about the importance of inclusive sports, inspiring future initiatives that support individuals with disabilities.
Personal Growth and Changed Perspectives:
This project has deeply influenced my understanding of resilience, inclusivity, and the impact of community-driven initiatives. Witnessing the determination of visually impaired students to overcome challenges has reshaped my perspective on perseverance and the importance of adaptive learning. It has also highlighted the need for more accessible sports opportunities and reinforced my belief in the power of teamwork and compassion.
Furthermore, this experience has changed the way I perceive inclusivity in society. It made me more aware of the barriers that individuals with disabilities face daily and the significance of creating supportive environments that empower them. The program emphasized that true inclusivity goes beyond mere accommodations requires active participation, empathy, and sustainable support systems.
Personal Statement:
"This project was a transformative experience that underscored the power of resilience, teamwork, and inclusivity. Seeing the confidence and joy on the faces of the participants reminded me that meaningful change starts with small, dedicated efforts." - Muhammad Hanif
Section III
