Mentari Elopura team’s visit to the Agro-Technology and Bio-Industry Department at Politeknik Sandakan in March 2023 paved the way for the eventual collaboration in the Smart Community Program on 14th October 2023. 

The Smart Community Program featured 32 students and 13 lecturers from Politeknik Sandakan teaching essential gardening skills to six clients from Mentari Elopura, three psychiatric inpatients, as well as occupational therapists, paramedics and doctors. Activities included sowing vegetables, removing parasitic weeds and cleaning a fish pond in the Therapeutic Garden in front of the Psychiatric Ward. This hands-on approach not only enhanced clients’ gardening skills, but also provided therapeutic benefits by connecting them with nature.

The new knowledge gained has been valuable for therapists at Mentari Elopura, allowing them to educate new clients. Three clients have continued participating in gardening activities at Mentari Elopura twice a week, integrating this new skill into their routines. This ongoing involvement underscores the long-term impact of the program, as clients gain a sense of purpose and contribute to Mentari Elopura’s aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the gardening activities generated a small income from the sale of vegetables grown, providing a financial boost to Mentari Elopura.

Another significant outcome of this collaboration was the introduction of Mentari Elopura to an educational institution. For the students and lecturers without prior exposure to clients living with mental illness, this program was an eye-opener. This engagement demonstrated that clients in psychiatric rehabilitation are capable of making meaningful contributions to society when given appropriate guidance and opportunity. In addition, the program offered hands-on experience in garden management to the Polytechnic students.

The Smart Community Program, supported by hospital directors and covered by the local media, sets a good precedent for future partnerships. Moving forward, future collaborations will involve Universiti Malaysia Sabah Sandakan for the garden at Mentari Elopura and continued involvement from Politeknik Sandakan for the Therapeutic Garden in front of the Psychiatric Ward. Hopefully, the benefits of collaboration between Mentari and educational institutions will be increasingly evident, inspiring other sectors to undertake similar initiatives.

Alone, we can do so little, but together, we can do so much.