LABUAN — Students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah Labuan International Campus (UMSKAL) recently have carried out two education-based community projects at primary schools here to support remedial learning and promote interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The projects were implemented under the Service Learning Malaysia–University for Society (SULAM) initiative for the GT30203 International Corporate Finance course at the Labuan Faculty of International Finance (FKAL).
The first project, known as C.E.R.D.I.K. — Cultivating Education, Resilience, Development, Innovation and Knowledge — was carried out at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Bebuloh and benefited 71 remedial pupils from Year One to Year Six.
The second project, STEM In Every Step, was implemented at SK Bukit Kallam through the transformation of a school walkway into a STEM Learning Corridor.
Both projects were supervised by Dr Suzillah Sidek.
At SK Bebuloh, the C.E.R.D.I.K. Project used interactive learning activities and educational kits developed according to the needs of remedial pupils.
The project team raised RM3,570 through KitaFund, exceeding its original target of RM3,350.
The funds were used to provide learning kits, stationery, activity prizes, food for participants and other programme necessities.
Prior to the implementation, the project committee visited the school to identify pupils’ needs and plan the programme together with the school and the Parent-Teacher Association.
The main activities included four station-based learning sessions covering Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics and Science, conducted by UMSKAL students.
Pupils also took part in educational games, including a paper aeroplane challenge and balloon games, aimed at boosting their confidence, communication skills, creativity and teamwork.
Dr Suzillah said the C.E.R.D.I.K. Project not only benefited remedial pupils but also served as a platform for university students to apply their academic knowledge while nurturing leadership, empathy and social responsibility.
The project was led by project director Darshini Murugan, together with Difvya Kunasegaran as secretary, Sangetha Isvaran as treasurer, and committee members Sharifah Aqillah, Thaksina Phonemmalam, Bavatarene Gopianathan, Angelina Lea Rena, Nur Shazia Sharin, Harini Pannir Selvam, Siti Aisyah Nabila and Nur Farhanah.
The project also received cooperation from SK Bebuloh headmaster Haji Maidan Dali @ Sumardi Yusoff, Parent-Teacher Association chairman Hamiedy Haruna, special remedial teacher representative Siti Hajar, KitaFund contributors and the local community.
Meanwhile, the STEM In Every Step programme at SK Bukit Kallam aimed to provide early exposure to STEM subjects through a more creative, visual and interactive learning approach.
The programme was led by programme director Derrick Yee Xin Yao and involved committee members Chon Wan Xuan, Davin Chang Yu Heng, Hew Jing Shiuan, Lee Wei Huang, Lee Zhi Xuan, Nursyaidatul Anisyah Syaiful, Ong Tyng Jie, Tan Jing Rou, Tee Penny and Wong Bei Jean.
With the cooperation of SK Bukit Kallam and Rakan Muda, the project transformed an underused school walkway into a continuous learning space through murals, educational decorations and simple STEM-related content designed for primary school pupils.
From June 8 to 15, UMSKAL students and Rakan Muda volunteers worked together to clean the walkway, prepare wall surfaces, sketch and paint murals, arrange learning materials and decorate whiteboards.
Two whiteboards were used to present content on the four main components of STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics — with brief explanations, student-friendly visuals and interactive elements.
A large mural was also produced to introduce pupils to STEM-related career paths, including scientists, engineers, technology specialists and other related professions.
The organisers raised RM2,200 through crowdfunding to cover the cost of materials and implementation, including paint, brushes, rollers, cleaning tools, masking tape, printed materials, board decorations, coloured paper, logistics, food and drinks, and other related necessities.
The opening ceremony for the STEM In Every Step programme was held on June 26 to mark the handover of the STEM Learning Corridor to SK Bukit Kallam for continued use as part of the school’s learning environment.
Also present were SK Bukit Kallam headmistress Dalilah Desa, senior assistants, teachers and representatives involved in the programme.
Special appreciation was also extended to the school’s STEM teachers, Salenda Said and Stephenie Ann, for their support, cooperation and guidance in ensuring the STEM content was suitable, easy to understand and beneficial to pupils.
The two projects also supported efforts to promote quality education, reduce learning gaps, encourage innovation and strengthen cooperation between universities, schools and local communities.
