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should not only stand on their own feet, but also aspire
to joint effort due to the interconnectedness of the envi-
ronmental system.
The project emphasized more than just knowledge of
community problems, but also skills to act upon them.
Students were exposed to the diplomatic resolution of
community problems through relevant policies. They
were also given first-hand experience as legislators by
devising appropriate policies that would eventually be
proposed to the local authorities.
There were opportunities for the students to lead
their communities in creating awareness and contrib-
uting towards a more sustainable living environment.
Students learned to act using the ‘Four Is’ approach:
imparting knowledge and skills, identifying problems,
initiating actions and informing the public. They were
encouraged to be creative, critical and analytical in
examining problems faced by their communities and
gained experience of advocating their findings and initi-
atives to the local authorities and the public.
The project involved 520 students from 13 secondary
schools, 26 school teachers, 60 student teachers at SIEU and
20 staff of PPGAB and SIEU. The students were divided into
26 groups, with 10 students in each group. Half of the teams
joined the BahasaMelayu (National Language) category; the
other half joined the English category. Workshops were
conducted with teachers and undergraduates to prepare
them for their facilitation role with students.
newest developments in different areas as a part of the staff’s continu-
ous professional development.
At the faculty level, an ESD Committee was established to spear-
head initiatives to staff, students and the local communities. These
initiatives include workshops, talks, campaigns, exhibitions, debates
and international day celebrations, some of the activities initiated
and organized by student bodies.
At Aminuddin Baki Centre for Global Education (PPGAB),
various initiatives, including a Special Interest Group (SIG), are
being persued to create interest in ESD amongst academicians and
students. Activities conducted by the SIG and the centre include
workshops and publications on ESD.
Citizenship Project
The Citizenship Project is a continuing effort towards fulfilling the aim
of the National Education Philosophy to nurture “the potential of indi-
viduals in a holistic and integrated manner”. The project complements
the existing Civic and Citizenship Education in primary and secondary
school curricula, enabling students to practise what they learn at school.
The project targets lower secondary school students aged 13 to 15.
In 2009, SIEU was approached by USM to embark on the inaugural
Citizenship Project in Perak, a state in West Malaysia. USM supported
the event with finance, materials and teaching staff, who conducted
workshops with the principals, teachers and students. SIEU contributed
finance, materials, manpower and venues for the project.
The principle of
gotong-royong
(mutual effort) was at the heart of
the project, involving students, teachers, parents, government offic-
ers and communities. In achieving the objectives of ESD, individuals
Students presented their panels in a showcase organized by the committee
Images: UPSI