IN an effort to foster a sustainable future generation, the Education For Sustainable Development (ESD) Learning Hub has been established in Bukit Mertajam, marking Penang’s first of its kind.
This initiative is a collaborative endeavour between the Green Educators’ Workgroup (GREW) and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), situated within the Grew Sustainable Community Centre (GSCC) premises at Taman Desa Impian 2.
The hub was recently inaugurated on June 8 by Machang Bubok assemblyman Lee Khai Loon.
According to GREW chairman Khou Jerome, the ESD Learning Hub is open to all, including school students and the local community.
Its programmes, which include interactive workshops, aim to engage participants in sustainable development education.
“We collaborate closely with the state Education Department (JPNPP) and various stakeholders to develop teaching materials,” Khou explained to Buletin Mutiara on June 20.
Topics covered at the hub range from climate change to waste segregation, hydroponics, and the circular economy. Learning methods emphasise inquiry-based and project-based approaches, allowing participants to conduct hands-on experiments related to their studies.
“As we continue to develop the hub, we plan to expand our resources to further enhance sustainable learning opportunities.
“Our goal is for the ESD Learning Hub to be a comprehensive and impactful resource, promoting sustainability across Penang,” Khou added.
The initiative has received overwhelming support, noted Khou, who was joined during the interview by GREW vice-chairman Fasya Abdul Hamid, GREW secretary Ong Soon Yeong, and GREW adviser Khaw Chiew Hong.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi