4.3 – Lifelong Learning Measures

4.3.4 – Education Outreach Activities Beyond Campus

At Universiti kebangsaan Malaysia, educational outreach activities, such as tailored lectures and demonstrations in local schools and communities, play a crucial role in advancing SDG 4: Quality Education. By taking learning beyond the university campus, UKM actively engages with diverse groups, providing access to high-quality education for people of all backgrounds. These outreach efforts foster lifelong learning, stimulate intellectual curiosity, and equip communities with valuable knowledge and skills. UKM’s commitment to inclusive education ensures that underserved populations, especially in local and rural areas, benefit from the university’s resources and expertise, contributing to the creation of a more informed, empowered, and equitable society. In 2023, UKM organised various educational activities for local schools and communities such as 2023 IKIM-LESTARI UKM Ecology Camp and  Empowering Children in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

ON PROGRAMMED BASIS

2023 IKIM-LESTARI UKM Ecology Camp

From September 21st to 23rd, 2023, the Malaysian Institute of Islamic Understanding (IKIM), in collaboration with the Institute of Environmental and Development (LESTARI), UKM, successfully organised the inaugural IKIM-LESTARI Ecology Camp 2023 over a span of 3 days at the Langkawi Research Center (PPL), Langkawi, Kedah. Themed “Geopark Exploration: Delving into Our Ecosystems,” this camp was conducted in close collaboration with PPL-ALAF UKM and the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), aiming to provide direct exposure to participants regarding ecological aspects, particularly through a comprehensive understanding of ecological concepts, theories, and applications via practical activities featured in the camp. The program was first officiated by Assoc. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil, Director General of IKIM, and was attended by Dr. Nor Azaruddin Husni Hj. Nuruddin, Director of the Center for Science and Environmental Studies (KIAS), IKIM; Mr. Malik Hassan, Deputy Director of Education, School Management Sector, Kedah State Education Department (JPN); and Mr. Yusof Nayan, Principal of Tunku Putra National Secondary School, Langkawi, Kedah.

Approximately 60 participants took part in this inaugural ecology camp, comprising 30 Form 4 students and representatives of teachers from SMK Tunku Putra; secretariat members from KIAS and the Program & Training Unit, IKIM; Geopark rangers from LADA; as well as lecturers and organizing committee members from LESTARI and PPL-ALAF, UKM. A total of 6 learning modules were presented to the students on the first day, commencing with Ms. Rosmidzatul Azila Mat Yamin (Module 1: Islam and Ecosystem Management); followed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tanot Unjah (Module 2: Geopark); Dato’ Shaharuddin Mohamad Ismail (Module 3: Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem Exploration); Mr. Nik Mohd Noor Faizul Md Saad (Module 4: Water, Rivers, and Humans); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharina Abdul Halim (Module 5: Community Engagement in Heritage Conservation); and concluding with Dr. Nurfashareena Muhamad (Module 6: Disasters and the Environment).

AD-HOC BASIS

Empowering Children in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

Children are among the most susceptible to the impact of disasters, making it crucial to equip them with knowledge and skills in disaster risk reduction (DRR). With a dedicated aim to enhance DRR education within schools, Southeast Asia Disaster Prevention Research Initiative (SEADPRI-UKM) has embarked on the Sabah Field Mission, with specific attention to the geohazard-prone region of Kundasang. It is worth highlighting that this mission builds upon the accomplishments of the pilot mission in Janda Baik conducted last year, which was a success.

The session continued with hands-on activities related to DRR, including the creation of preparedness bags, a “Danger Bingo” game, a disaster-themed board game, construction of simple mudslide models, and school risk mapping. These interactive activities not only engaged students but also demonstrated the potential for school children to play an active role in conveying critical information to their households and local communities.

The aim of this mission is to integrate DRR education into the curriculum of schools. This approach recognises that schools are ideal places for children to acquire essential knowledge and skills about DRR. By educating the children on disaster preparedness and response, we empower them to be both informed and proactive in safeguarding themselves and their communities. The “Bengkel Pemerkasaan Pengetahuan dan Pengurangan Risiko Bencana” workshop took place at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kundasang. This ad hoc workshop was organised on 4 October, 2023, as part of the Science and Technology Week on DRR (STDR3 Week) and was made possible under the UNICEF Malaysia fund for Youth and Young Professionals Empowerment: Implementing SETI for Disaster Resilience.The event was a collaborative effort involving various key organisations, including U-INSPIRE Malaysia@UKM, Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Centre (DPPC), Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Kuala Lumpur, and UNICEF Malaysia.