Kota Belud, 17 October 2024 – Jesselton University College (JUC) conducted a meaningful educational outreach programme in Kampung Pukak, aimed at empowering the elderly through digital inclusion, environmental awareness, and intergenerational engagement. This off-campus initiative forms part of JUC’s broader commitment to community development through education beyond the classroom.
The programme featured a hands-on sewing and craft-making workshop that integrated digital literacy components. Elderly participants were introduced to digital tools and online platforms that allow them to promote their handmade crafts to wider audiences, opening up new possibilities for income generation and digital engagement. Guided by local facilitators and supported by JUC staff and students, the workshop fostered collaborative learning between generations.
In addition to the practical skills training, the event included mental health talks that emphasized the importance of environmental well-being, drawing connections between emotional health and sustainability. Through these combined activities, the initiative promoted SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
The outreach programme was conducted in a group-based, structured format and involved both lecturers and students working side-by-side with community members. By bringing education into the heart of the community and addressing real-world challenges, the initiative successfully demonstrated the power of education as a tool for empowerment, inclusion, and sustainability.
This activity is part of JUC’s long-term education outreach strategy that prioritises underserved rural communities in Sabah. It reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to lifelong learning, digital empowerment, and bridging generational gaps—well-aligned with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
As part of JUC’s wider education outreach efforts, the Kampung Pukak initiative reflects our dual approach, ad-hoc activities that respond to immediate community needs, and programmed outreach that forms part of long-term engagement with rural and underserved areas in Sabah. This hybrid model ensures flexibility while sustaining impact.
