A group photo with SK Pekan Tenom pupils.
KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is currently raising climate change awareness among children through a recent programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pekan Tenom.
The initiative, organised by UMS’ One Health Student Club (OHSC) and co-hosted by Universiti Jember Indonesia, the University of the Philippines, and Universiti Brunei Darussalam, received funding from the Asia-Pacific Consortium for Public Health Multi-Countries Research Grant.
This programme is part of a global movement aimed at educating young minds about climate change issues.
OHSC adviser and Teach4Tomorrow founder Dr Zulkhairul Naim Sidek Ahmad stressed the importance of early education in addressing environmental challenges.
"We believe that educating children at a young age helps instil lifelong awareness of climate change. Tenom was chosen as the first location because of its potential to serve as a model for similar initiatives in neighbouring countries,” he said.
The programme is set to expand to Jember, Indonesia, Manila, and Brunei, enhancing its regional impact.
An interactive comic module was launched during the event, providing a fun and accessible way for children to learn about climate change.
With over 200 pupils, teachers, and volunteers participating, Dr Zulkhairul Naim expressed confidence in the programme’s ability to foster a deeper understanding of climate change at the grassroots level.
"UMS is committed to engaging university students as change agents, demonstrating that education is a powerful tool in addressing global environmental issues.
This initiative supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in quality education and climate action,” he added.
SK Pekan Tenom headmaster Shamsudin Akil praised the programme’s positive impact on the pupils.
"We welcome collaborations like this, especially those that offer long-term benefits to our children. Hopefully, they will share what they’ve learned on Thursday (Jan 4) with their families,” he said.
Also present were Associate Professor Dr TJ Robinson T Moncatar from the University of the Philippines, Assistant Professor Dr Kurnia Ardiansyah Akbar from Universiti Jember, and Universiti Brunei Darussalam's Assistant Professor Dr Roslinawati Mohd Roslan.
This initiative reflects UMS's dedication to environmental education, aiming to inspire future generations to act against climate change.
