ADVOCATING GREEN SCHOOLS FOR SUSTAINABILITY: KELAB SAHABAT UM- THE FRIENDS OF UNIVERSITY MALAYA APPROACH TO YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

Abstract

The Kelab Sahabat UM Network is an initiative by UMCares – The Community & Sustainability Centre of the University of Malaya to reach out to the primary and secondary schools in its vicinity. Activities included under this programme range to sports skills, language and drama grooming to robotics workshops and competitions. Most of these programmes are conducted through collaborations with either internal (UM) or external (NGO or private business) parties so as to ensure a broad network of experts who can enhance the education and experiences of the school youth. Kelab Sahabat UM was launched in early 2014 but constant monitoring of its programmes and progress has led to some evolution in its offering. Programmes must now encompass a second session where participants can demonstrate knowledge gained or skills learnt. This might be in the form of a performance or participation in a competition. At the end of 2014, it was also decided that the concept of a green school would be a useful avenue through which community engagement can be coupled with engagement for sustainability. The details of this programme and the multiplier effect observed as a result of the implementation of the Network thus far will be discussed in this paper.