JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 3 – Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sungai Boh in Johor Bahru buzzed with creativity during the “Step into Writing: Creating Interesting Fictional Short Stories with SK Sungai Boh Storytellers” programme. Organised by the Language Academy Foster School Project, this half-day event empowered underprivileged students to become confident writers, directors, and content creators. It aimed to teach storytelling, boost English skills, encourage public speaking, and promote responsible social media use, leaving a lasting impact on the young participants. A number of 13 students were involved and four facilitators from Language Academy Acted as facilitators to assist and guide the students. This is a series of an ongoing 2-year foster school project initiated by the Language Academy in an attempt to contribute back to the society.
The programme began with a lively ice-breaking session. Facilitators led fun activities, helping students relax and connect. The children formed two enthusiastic teams, Whale the Winners and Crab the Champions, sparking companionship and excitement. This set a positive tone for the day. Following on, an engaging session on short story writing introduced key techniques: creating vivid characters, building plots, and adding suspense. The students listened eagerly, their imaginations ignited, ready to craft their own stories.
With guidance from facilitators, the students drafted their short story scripts. They brainstormed ideas, shaped narratives, and refined their work in teams. The classroom hummed with energy as they collaborated, each student adding their unique touch. The day’s highlight was the tutorial video recording session. Students became directors, actors, and writers, bringing their stories to life on camera. Their performances showcased creativity and confidence, and the videos, soon to be released, will inspire other young learners to explore storytelling.
Khairulakmar Dolah @ Abdullah, SK Sungai Boh’s Headmaster, attended, showing strong support for the students. His presence highlighted the school’s commitment to such initiatives. The event was led by Nurul Na’immah Hamdan and Lokman Hafiz Asary, with Dr. Nurhidayah Mohd Sharif and Dr. Intan Norjahan Azman assisting. Their expertise created a supportive space where students felt confident using English, a language many were still learning. The facilitators guided them through every step, from writing to filming, ensuring a rewarding experience.
The programme taught more than storytelling. By performing on camera, students improved their public speaking skills, learning to express ideas clearly. Facilitators also emphasised responsible social media use, encouraging students to share positive messages online. This focus on digital responsibility was vital, equipping them to navigate the online world thoughtfully.
As the event ended, facilitators shared encouraging words, urging students to keep writing, use English confidently, and inspire others through storytelling. The Crab the Champions and Whale the Winners teams left with pride, their minds full of new ideas. For SK Sungai Boh’s students, this was more than a workshop. It was a transformative experience that boosted their creativity and self-esteem while discovering the power of students’ voices, gaining skills that will shape their futures. The programme’s blend of creativity, language learning, and digital awareness left a meaningful mark, inspiring these young storytellers to dream big and share their stories with the world.
Prepared by: Lokman Hafiz Asary and Nurul Na’immah Hamdan
