A team of seven staff from INTI International University recently carried out the Kg. Tekir User-Service Learning Project on 22 October 2023. They aimed to improve literacy levels and promote a culture of education in the Orang Asli community of Kg. Tekir. The project is targeted at children in the community aged 7 to 12 who are struggling with basic reading and writing skills. Lack of parental involvement and motivation towards education in this community has also been identified as a significant challenge. The project addresses these educational challenges and empowers the children with the necessary skills to succeed academically.
INTI’s book donation drive allowed the team to increase the number of books available in the mini library.
Mohd Sabirin Mohamed, Chief Librarian of the Tan Sri Abdul Majid (TSAM) Library at INTI International University, was a driving force behind the project. He noted the socio-economic disparities facing the Orang Asli communities and their limited educational opportunities. “We identified the need to bridge this gap and equip these children with essential literacy skills,” he stated, highlighting the project’s core objective.
The implementation phase faced considerable challenges, especially in persuading the Orang Asli community to enrol their children in the program. Overcoming these obstacles required close cooperation with community leaders like Tok Batin Ramli and the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA). Their support was instrumental in promoting the project and gaining wider acceptance within the community.
(From left) Mohd Sabirin Mohamed, AP Dr Miew Luan Ng, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, and Tok Batin Ramli during the prize-giving session.
Tok Batin Ramli, a leader in the Orang Asli community in Kg. Tekir shared his aspirations: “By creating a mini-library program, we can attract many children to read after school or during school holidays. This is my hope for my community.”
Thirty-three students from the village participated in the project. Collaborating with Sekolah Rendah Kg. Tekir, engaging activities such as the “Malaysia INFOHUNT” and a colouring contest were organised to enhance the children’s knowledge about Malaysia and foster creativity. The TSAM Library led a Book Donation Drive as part of the project. This drive successfully gathered 185 titles from the INTI International University community, significantly enriching the mini library’s resources in Kg. Tekir.
Mohd Sabirin has revealed plans to continue the Book Donation Drive in 2024 and provide guidance on library management skills to ensure the community has ongoing access to educational resources. When reflecting on the project’s impact, Mohd Sabirin emphasised the importance of instilling reading habits in children and the role of well-equipped libraries in empowering literacy within these communities.
The success of the Kg. Tekir User-Service Learning Project highlights INTI International University’s commitment to community engagement and educational empowerment. The initiative exemplifies the university’s dedication to creating positive change and addressing educational disparities.
Among the activities organised for the Orang Asli children were the ‘Malaysia INFOHUNT’ and a colouring contest.