On 12 February 2026, 41 Year 2 students from the Diploma in Early Childhood Education stepped beyond the classroom and into the vibrant cultural landscape of Sarawak Cultural Village for a community-based learning experience.
Set against the rich heritage backdrop of Kuching, the visit featured a culture-themed scavenger hunt designed to immerse students in experiential learning. Participants explored traditional longhouses, observed cultural performances and engaged with the diverse histories of Sarawak’s ethnic communities. The activity encouraged active observation, reflection and discussion, transforming the environment into a dynamic learning space.
For these future early childhood educators, the outing extended far beyond a field trip. It demonstrated how language and literacy can be nurtured through cultural immersion, storytelling and exploration. Students witnessed how literacy is embedded in architecture, dance, music and daily practices, reinforcing the idea that meaningful learning happens when knowledge is connected to lived experience.
The experience also deepened students’ appreciation for Malaysia’s multicultural heritage, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural narratives for future generations. By situating literacy within authentic contexts, the programme strengthened both academic understanding and cultural awareness.
Through this community-based initiative, learning became active, culture became text, and literacy came alive.
This activity supports the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 4 Quality Education
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
