Thursday, 7 August 2025

University students may mentor pupils in former schools

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Dr Annuar (centre) and TCS Executive Director, Dr Amin Aznizan (right), hold up a mock cheque alongside the TCS students. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

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KUCHING: University students in Sarawak may soon be returning to their former schools, not as pupils, but as mentors, under a proposed new programme called “Siswa Balik Sekolah” .

The initiative, still in the planning stage, aims to mobilise university students to volunteer in secondary schools during their semester breaks to assist and inspire younger students, particularly in mathematics and science.

Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, said the idea is to encourage students to give back to their communities while cultivating a culture of academic support among youth.

“This is not compulsory. We want students to contribute voluntarily. They go back to their old schools and help the next generation, especially in maths and science,” he said.

He told reporters this after handing over education aid to underprivileged students of Technology College Sarawak (TCS) here today.

The programme is also anticipated to be under the_‘Mata Pelajaran Umum’_ (MPU) subject, a compulsory university module on community engagement.

“All university students have to complete MPU. So, we may integrate this into the curriculum. That way, students can fulfil academic requirements while benefiting their communities,” Dr Annuar said.

He added that discussions are ongoing with the State Education Department (JPNS) and several institutions of higher learning to coordinate the programme.

Among the universities involved are Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus (Swinburne) and i-CATS University College in the southern zone, University Technology Sarawak (UTS) in the central zone, and another institution in the northern zone.

“This is just the beginning, but I think it’s a good idea. Students have received a lot of assistance from the government, and this is one way they can give something back,” he said.

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