Zoolutionarie: Volunteers For A Wilder Future with PGSS FS

Nik Ihtisyam Majdah

JOHOR BAHRU, July 23 –In a collaborative effort to promote environmental awareness and encourage youth volunteerism, the Postgraduate Student Society of the Faculty of Science (PGSS-FS) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), in partnership with Sekolah Rendah Integrasi Teras Islam (SRITI) Ilmi, successfully organized an event titled “Zoolutionarie: Volunteers for a Wilder Future” at Zoo Johor.

PGSS-FS UTM committee engage in a collaborative clean-up task during the program at Zoo Johor, fostering teamwork, cross-cultural interaction, and environmental stewardship under supervise of Zoo Johor staff, Omar Shahrul.

Primary school students from SRITI ILMI actively participate in a zoo clean-up activity during the program at Zoo Johor, reflecting their commitment to environmental responsibility and teamwork.

This impactful outreach program united postgraduate students, eight Year Four students from SRITI ILMI, and staff from Zoo Johor, including Omar Shahrul, for a full-day, hands-on exploration of animals, conservation, and the values of volunteerism. The initiative is part of PGSS-FS’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and science communication beyond the university.

Participants from SRITI ILMI, accompanied by UTM volunteers, proudly showcase their handmade fish origami during the program, celebrating creativity and environmental education through interactive learning.

Interactive Learning Beyond the Classroom

Participants engaged in a variety of activities such as fish origami, “guess the animal” games, zoo clean-up tasks, motivational talks, and live animal observations. Through these experiences, they explored biodiversity and learned about the importance of caring for living beings and the environment. The program aimed to foster empathy, critical thinking, and teamwork.

Feedback from participants indicated an overwhelmingly positive response to the program. Facilitators were praised for their knowledge and engaging teaching methods, while the information presented was deemed highly valuable. Many participants reported that they gained a deeper understanding of animals and conservation after the event.

The most popular activities among students included origami, zoo tours, and animal care simulations, underscoring the significance of creative and experiential learning methods in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.

Empowering the Future Generation

The program not only focused on academic enrichment but also instilled civic values in its young participants. One facilitator from UTM stated, “It’s more than just learning about animals; it’s about shaping responsible individuals who care about the planet.”

A teacher from SRITI ILMI remarked, “This program offers excellent early exposure to real-world science and volunteerism. The students left with bright smiles and curious minds.”

Students from SRITI ILMI proudly display their certificates of participation awarded by PGSS FS UTM, while the program director, Nik Ihtisyam Majdah Nik Razi (far left, back row), holds a certificate of appreciation received from Zoo Johor, symbolizing a successful collaboration between education and conservation

Leadership and Support

This program was organized under the supervision of Dr. Muhammad Helmi Nadri, the PGSS Faculty of Science advisor, with the dedicated support of several PGSS members, including Nurul Najihah Rawi, Nuratiqah Ismail, Mustapha Mohammed Karagama, Tasnim Mosleh, Abubakar Umar, Chua Jia Jun, Abellyna Abraham, Muhammad Shawal Shafiee, and Abdirizak Mohamoud Farah. Their combined efforts were crucial in ensuring the event’s success and smooth execution.

SRITI Ilmi students pose cheerfully with UTM volunteers in front of the camel enclosure at Zoo Johor during the “ZOOLUTIONARIE: Volunteers for a Wilder Future” program, capturing a moment of joyful learning and meaningful interaction.

Looking Ahead

As the program director and a postgraduate student, I am truly inspired by the enthusiasm of both our volunteers and young learners. ZOOLUTIONARIE has shown to be a significant link between higher education and primary education, as well as between science and society.

We are excited about the prospect of expanding similar outreach programs in the future. Our goal is to foster sustainable mindsets among youth and cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious leaders.