By Dr Noratikah binti Mohamad Ashari (Deputy Dean of Industry & Community Engagement, FELC)
At the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication (FELC), we have always believed that universities must be more than places where knowledge is taught. They must also be places where knowledge is shared, co-created, and lived alongside the people and communities they serve. Our English Language Camp with SMK Sacred Heart, Sibu, on 27 September 2025, was a translation of this belief and of how deeply language can connect us when we approach it with purpose, patience, and partnership.
The camp brought 53 lower secondary students to UNIMAS Sibu Campus for a day of language exploration designed to build confidence and spark curiosity. At first glance, it appeared to be a typical co-curricular programme. But as the day unfolded, it became clear that it was much more than that. It was a space where students could experiment with language without fear, discover the joy of expression, and see themselves as capable communicators in a world where English is a bridge to opportunities and participation.
This year’s camp also held greater significance. It marked the fifth English Language Camp that FELC has organised in collaboration with SMK Sacred Heart, a testament to the strength and sustainability of our partnership. What began as a single initiative in 2018 has grown into an enduring collaboration built on mutual trust, shared values, and a commitment to nurturing young learners. This continuity matters because it allows us to deepen our impact year after year, responding to students’ evolving needs and creating learning spaces that grow with them.
We structured the day to create that sense of possibility. From the opening ice-breakers to the storytelling workshop using Reader’s Theatre, from creative language games and role-playing to group storytelling challenges, every activity was designed to show students that language is alive. It is something they can effectively use to express ideas, tell stories, and connect with others.
This approach captures FELC’s belief that learning should be engaging, collaborative, and rooted in genuine human interaction. This is why teamwork, storytelling, and reflection were emphasised throughout the day. These thoughtful choices help students practise communication as a practical, real-world skill rather than something intimidating or distant. Watching them present their stories and reflect on their progress, we were reminded that confidence blossoms in supportive environments where young people feel comfortable trying, stumbling, and thriving together.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication and expertise of the team behind the programme. Dr Yvonne Michelle Campbell, Damien Mikeng, Melisa Malini Raja Gopal, and Muhammad Jazlan Ahmad Khiri brought deep professional experience and creative energy to every activity. Their commitment to strengthening language competencies is anchored in the belief that every learner can progress with the right support and a strong culture of volunteerism. On that note, we recognise our very own student volunteers, Maria Marilyn Desmond, Vanessa Sandra anak Rentap, Camelia anak Sylvester, and Haziqah binti Roslan for reinforcing this shared commitment to meaningful learning.
Above all, we are grateful to SMK Sacred Heart for welcoming us and for the leadership of their language educators, led by Mr Winston Bin Thomas Nyadang and Mdm Wong Ai Fung. Drawing from a deep understanding of their students’ strengths and needs, the programme was crafted to deliver genuine value to every learner.
This collaboration speaks to a principle that guides our work at FELC: meaningful education is built on continuous trust and partnership. Schools know their students best, and universities bring resources and perspectives that can help enrich learning. When we come together, we create experiences that neither could achieve alone.
As the camp ended with reflections, certificates, and shared laughter, we left with more than a sense of completion. We left reminded of why we do this work. Why do we step beyond our lecture halls to sit on classroom floors, run storytelling games, and listen to students share their hopes in a language that once felt intimidating? Indeed, it is here, in these small yet significant moments, that education becomes truly meaningful. And this is where the future we hope to build begins to take shape.
This is only the beginning. As we move toward 2026, FELC is already planning more school-based language and communication programmes across Sarawak, each designed to strengthen confidence, nurture creativity, and deepen collaboration.
We look forward to continuing this journey together with schools, teachers, and students because the future of education is one we build side by side. As our ongoing partnership with SMK Sacred Heart shows, when relationships are nurtured over time, they can grow into sustainable platforms for learning that benefit generations of students to come.