The aim of Service Learning is to consolidate and expand UTM students’ participation in “community partnerships” in Malaysia.
This time round, the Service Learning programme conducted in Kampung Orang Asli Seletar in Kampung Simpang Arang, Gelang Patah, Johor involved setting up a mini library and conducting a 3S (Sihat, Santai dan Sejahtera) Carnival to instill hygiene awareness among the villagers.
The programme advisor, Dr. Hj. Zainuddin Hj. Hassan said, “UTM students have partnered with Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli (JKOA), the village religious school administrators and Jawatankuasa Keselamatan & Kemajuan Kampung-Kampung (JKKKK), Kampung Simpang Arang in obtaining approval to set up a mini library in one of the classrooms.”
“The Mini Library at Sekolah Agama Kampung Simpang Arang was officiated by the Johor JKOA Director, Wan Assim Wan Shekh,” he said.
The 3S Carnival was conducted from 18 to 19 April 2014 at Kampung Simpang Arang by 12 UTM Master of Education in Organizational Development (MPF 2303) students. The carnival received support from the Gelang Patah Health Clinic whose staff members gave a talk on the dangers of dengue mosquito.
Other parties were also involved in the programme. The Johor Health Care Group provided free health screenings to the village community, while Kodomo Lion, the manufacturer of children’s toothpaste, gave a talk on the importance of oral hygiene and proper tooth brushing techniques.
Majlis Perbandaran Johor Bahru Tengah (MPJBT) also contributed by providing equipment and manpower in a ‘gotong royong’ session.Volunteers from Sekolah Menengah Kempas comprising both students and teachers ensured the success of the activities carried out in the 3S Carnival program. Administrators, teachers and the Parent-Teacher Association Committee of Sekolah Kebangsaan Ladang Pendas also contributed to the programme, particularly in the running of the Sports Competition
JAKOA Director, Wan Assim Wan Shekh in his speech, thanked UTM students involved in organizing the programme which benefited not only the indigenous children in Kampung Simpang Arang in particular, but also the indigenous community in general. He also hoped that this programme can be implemented on a regular basis.
