Unis to hold programmes in schools
MALAYSIA’S 20 public universities and another four government-linked universities are entering schools and fixing them up.
Students and staff will be present in 43 schools nationwide to plan and conduct high-impact programmes to not only improve the facilities but also the academic standing of the school.
Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik says the ministry not only wants the schools to benefit but the university students as well by encouraging them to come up with creative and innovative solutions to help their chosen schools.
The programme known as “Sekolahku Universitiku” (My school, my university), fosters the spirit of volunteerism among university students and at the same time, improves the learning environment in schools.
During the launch of the programme in SK Bukit Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, recently, Maszlee says the programme encourages the community, specifically university students, to volunteer more in schools.
“We want society to be the compass and the nucleus of the Education Ministry’s work,” he says, adding that they must work together to solve the issues facing the community.
Maszlee says that everyone is concerned about education.
“In view of this, we do not want there to be a gap to exist between universities and schools anymore.”
He says that schools should be engaging with universities, and universities with the industries and communities.
“This cycle will create a good and future-proof education ecosystem,” he explains.
Maszlee says that the university fraternity, especially the students, should come together and help school students.
“In short, education really needs the concept of togetherness, helping each other, complementing each other, and supporting each other.
“So, I believe this programme will bring many benefits to the world of education.”
He also says the ministry has allocated RM2mil for the programme.
National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) vice-chancellor Lt-Jen Datuk Abdul Halim Jalal says that academics and undergraduates active in volunteerism have been waiting for such a programme that allows them to be more involved in schools.
He adds that the programme that began last September is a form of “smart partnership” to improve the facilities and academics in the school.
He says UPNM took care of the SK Bukit Pantai’s canteen while Universiti Malaya, which is also present in the school, handled its library.
This programme, he adds, will strengthen the relationship between schools and higher education institutions.
“We hope that such a programme will inculcate the value and heighten the spirit of volunteerism among school and university students,” he says.
“Schools that are cheerful and fun can certainly motivate students to work hard in gaining knowledge.”
He also hopes both the school’s staff and students will take care of the improved facilities so that they can continue to learn in a conducive environment.
The chosen schools are those categorised in Scale 4 and 5 according to the ministry’s Planning and Policy Research Division.
The programme will run from this year to 2020.