On October 2, 2024, the Language Academy launched a two-year foster school project, adopting two rural primary schools in Johor: Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sungai Boh in Pontian and SK Tiram Duku in Gelang Patah. The launch event was officiated by Hj. Noor Rahilme Mohamed Noor, Chief Assistant Director of Language at the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ). Attending the event were 21 dedicated staff members from the Language Academy, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) along with 51 enthusiastic Standard 3 students from the two primary schools. The project encompasses two major initiatives: creating a series of children’s books in the first year and organizing a storytelling showcase in the second. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is set to be signed in the near future to formalize this partnership.

As part of the launch, a creative writing workshop was held to foster creativity and enhance writing skills among young students. This workshop is the first in a series aimed at guiding students from each school in creating storybooks for publication. The workshop featured engaging sessions designed to inspire and educate young writers. Speaker for the Creative Writing Workshop, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umi Kalthum Ngah opened with a presentation on storybook writing techniques, equipping students with tools to spark their imaginations and develop their skills.

Dr. Nur’ain Balqis Haladin, Associate Chair of Language Academy and also the director of the project, then led a session on aquatic creatures in the Johor Straits, blending education with inspiration by encouraging students to incorporate local marine life into their stories. In the final and most exciting session, students drew aquatic creatures, creating illustrations for their stories and connecting their ideas with visual expression.

In conclusion, this project marks a meaningful step in nurturing creative talent among young students in Johor. With expert guidance, interactive sessions, and dedicated support, this initiative is set to inspire a new generation of storytellers, reflecting their experiences and imaginations. As the project continue over the next two years, anticipation builds for the stories these young minds will create. Publishing their work will celebrate their voices and achievements, enriching both their personal growth and the wider literary community.

Written by:

Nurul Naimmah Hamdan, Nurhidayah Mohd Sharif & Nur ‘Ain Balqis Haladin

Source: UTM NewsHub