SANDAKAN: Material in the National Archives collection can serve as a valuable teaching and learning resource in educational institutions, says the National Unity Minister.
Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang said the National Archives houses a wealth of authentic historical material.
He said the Archives@Schools Programme can provide a platform for students to engage with history in a more interactive, creative and meaningful way, helping to foster a stronger sense of identity among young Malaysians.
The programme encourages students to learn, ask questions and explore the nation’s history.
“This programme is one of our efforts to reintroduce and strengthen the role of history at the school level.
“Since history is already a core subject in schools, we plan to expand this initiative to more schools nationwide,” he said after opening the Archives@Schools Programme at SM St Mary here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Also present was National Archives director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman.
Aaron expressed hope that the National Archives would work together with the Education Ministry to expand the programme nationwide.
Meanwhile, Jaafar Sidek said the department has digitised more than 11 million documents, which are now accessible online.
“We provide opportunities for the public, including students and educators, to access these valuable material.
“They can visit the official National Archives website to explore the resources available.”
On the Archives@Schools Programme, he said the department would also assist schools in gathering historical material as well as school magazines that could be preserved as part of the archival collection.
He added that the programme will be extended to schools in Kedah and Kelantan.
