Building Empathy and Advocacy Through Experiential Learning at PPHM Melaka

Students from the Foundation in Law and Foundation in Business programmes at MMU Melaka campus stepped beyond the classroom and engaged in a community outreach visit to Pertubuhan Pencinta Hidupan Melaka (PPHM).

The visit placed students in direct contact with rescued dogs at the shelter, offering a meaningful opportunity to experience animal welfare efforts firsthand. What began for some as initial hesitation around animals soon shifted into active engagement, as students spent time interacting with the dogs in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Many of the rescued animals, previously abandoned or left to fend for themselves, responded warmly to human attention, highlighting the importance of care and companionship in their rehabilitation process.

Beyond interaction, the students contributed creatively by producing a short awareness video showcasing the dogs at PPHM. The content is intended to support the shelter’s outreach efforts, particularly in increasing visibility and encouraging adoption. The activity provided experiential learning and social responsibility exposure, encouraging students to develop empathy and contribute meaningfully to community and animal welfare causes.