Some 200 Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Bengoi villagers recently participated in an outreach programme aimed at highlighting the importance of education for the community.
Organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the programme was held on Aug 9 at the new Batek tribe settlement in Taman Negara Kuala Sat, Jerantut, Pahang.
Dubbed Misi Komunikasi: Program Khidmat Masyarakat 2025, the initiative encouraged collaborative interaction between varsity staff from its School of Communication, and children from the 27 families in attendance.
Among the activities were the assembling of a DIY science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) kit for the children with the help of the varsity staff.
The activity tested the participants’ communication skills, as language proved to be a barrier.
Using a combination of verbal instructions, non-verbal cues, and gestures, they overcame the challenge of interpreting instructions and communicating with each other to successfully assemble the kit to create a toy.
Programme adviser Dr Noor Azlina Yusoff said the success of the programme demonstrated how hands-on educational activities can be powerful tools for building human connections.
“Effective communication is achieved not only through words, but also through actions, shared experiences, and mutual appreciation.
“Learning is at its most impactful when it is interactive and reciprocal,” she said in a press release.
The programme not only promoted STEM education among Orang Asli children but also bridged communication and cultural gaps.
It created a space for connection, learning and sharing that transcends spoken language.
More importantly, it laid a foundation of trust and friendship, paving the way for future collaborations that will continue to empower the community, the press release read.
