AIU Nurturing Inclusive Early Learning Among Indigenous Children in Lenggong
ALOR SETAR, 18 September 2025 — The School of Education and Human Sciences (SEHS) at Albukhary International University (AIU) successfully organized a Community Outreach Project for Inclusive Early Learning among Indigenous Children from 10 to 12 September 2025 at Kampung Air Bah, Lenggong, Perak.
The initiative brought together students and lecturers from two programmes — the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECE) and the Bachelor of Media Communication (BMC) — to work hand in hand with the Indigenous community in enhancing early learning opportunities for young children.
Over the course of three days, students collaborated with community members to beautify classroom environments through mural painting, establish a mini reading corner called “RooAng”, and conduct interactive activities that nurtured the 5A Core Values (Aqidah, Akhlaq, Adab, Amanah, Amalan). These efforts not only enriched children’s learning spaces but also cultivated social responsibility and compassion among participants.
Beyond the classroom, the outreach project emphasized cultural engagement and mutual learning. Students gained hands-on experiences by cooking Nasi Pansuh (rice cooked in bamboo over fire), weaving bracelets from leaves, and learning traditional dances from the community. These activities created meaningful exchanges that deepened cultural understanding and respect.
In addition to community service and cultural immersion, a research survey was conducted to assess the project’s impact on the Indigenous community. Media documentation was also collected as groundwork for a documentary book project on the Lanoh Tribe, one of the smallest Indigenous groups in Perak.
The Lanoh Tribe, belonging to the Semang sub-group of the Orang Asli, is traditionally forest dwellers with a rich heritage of oral storytelling, craftsmanship, and unique survival knowledge. Today, they face challenges of marginalization and cultural erosion. Preserving their traditions and promoting inclusive education are crucial to safeguarding their identity and ensuring their community thrives in a rapidly changing world.
This project, therefore, goes beyond short-term activities — it aspires to build bridges between higher education institutions and underserved communities, empowering both sides with knowledge, empathy, and shared humanity. As SEHS Dean Prof. Dr. Abdul Malek Abdul Karim noted:
“This project reflects our mission to nurture compassionate, responsible global citizens while making a real difference in the lives of children and communities who need it most.”
With the success of this initiative, SEHS aims to continue fostering sustainable partnerships with Indigenous communities, promoting not only education but also cultural preservation and social inclusivity.
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