Fieldwork visits to partnered schools in Endau, the district of Mersing, Johor

From 21 to 23 October 2024, two research assistants from the education team of Voices of the Rainforest, Nur Izzati Abdullah and Norsyazwani Muhamad Dah, conducted a fieldwork visit to three partnered schools in the Mersing district of Johor, Malaysia: Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanah Abang, Sekolah Kebangsaan Punan, and Sekolah Kebangsaan Peta. The purpose of these visits was to interview teachers, explore how the schools integrate their unique environmental contexts into teaching, and understand how local challenges shape educational practices.  

The visit to Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanah Abang provided the team with a glimpse into a school surrounded by oil palm plantations, a key contributor to the local economy but also a source of sustainability concerns. The children, primarily from the Jakun tribe, brought their cultural heritage into the classroom, enriching discussions with their deep connection to the land. The team noted the children’s shyness and strong sense of respect, which created a unique dynamic in classroom interactions. Teachers highlighted how they integrate real-world environmental issues into lessons, encouraging children to reflect on the balance between development and conservation. The team observed the impact of experiential learning as children actively engaged in discussions about sustainable agriculture and community involvement.

At Sekolah Kebangsaan Punan, situated amid oil palm and rubber plantations, the team observed how the school’s location nurtures a deep connection to nature among its children, all from the Jakun tribe. Like their peers at Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanah Abang, the children showed shyness and a great respect for their teachers and classmates. Lessons often focused on local flora and the role of natural resources in traditional practices. Despite modern challenges such as deforestation, children were encouraged to think critically about sustainable living. The team also noted the influence of technology, as children frequently accessed the internet via their phones, which appeared to shape their language use and interests.

The final visit to Sekolah Kebangsaan Peta, located in the area of Taman Negara Endau-Rompin, showcased a school that integrates biodiversity into its teaching approach. The team observed how proximity to the forest influences the curriculum, with lessons about wildlife, including safety precautions due to roaming elephants that sometimes pose risks. Children learned about managing local trees, such as coconut trees, to avoid attracting wildlife to the school area. Hands-on lessons on conservation and traditional plant uses were also a key feature. While the school’s location fostered a strong connection to nature and enriched the learning experience, it also presented challenges such as limited resources and logistical constraints.

The team reflected that each visit reinforced the vital role of connecting education with local environmental and cultural contexts. These schools not only prioritise academic achievement but also instil in children a deep appreciation for their natural surroundings and cultural heritage. The fieldwork visit highlighted that meaningful education goes beyond the classroom, fostering awareness, adaptability, and a strong sense of community responsibility.