THERE is no denying that social media usage has a powerful presence in young people’s lives.
Recently, in a collaboration with the New Straits Times, a News Reporting competition via Instagram took place at #MySchoolGoals International Festival.
It saw 26 students producing news reports that were complemented with interesting photos and videos on the social media network platform.
Hosted by SMK TTDI Jaya, Shah Alam, its Language Department head and #MySchoolGoals programme manager Adibah Omar said: “Some educators refuse to include social media in education, thinking that it will only be harmful to students.
“What we should do is show students how to use social media responsibly for educational purposes. If you can’t beat them, join them,” she added.
With this in mind, Adibah decided to elevate the usual school co-curriculum carnival to a bigger scale.
Themed “Bringing the World to Your Classroom”, the inaugural #MySchoolGoals International Festival attracted students from schools in Malaysia and neighbouring Asian countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and even Saudi Arabia.
With its aim of cultivating a love for reading and promoting a positive learning environment, students also found themselves engaging in other competitions and activities such as Cool Coding, MySchoolGoals Idol, 3R Competition and the Young Adult Book Fair.
Alfin Nurfadhilah Ramli, 16, from Al Azhar Senior High School, Indonesia, said that he was happy to be a part of the festival.
“It was my first time joining a news writing competition. I was also very happy to get to socialise with students from other countries.”
Nur Aina Nazurah Mohamad Imran, a student from SMK TTDI Jaya, who clinched the gold award for News Reporting, revealed that she initially lacked the confidence to write.
“I decided to give it a shot anyway. In order to build better self esteem, I knew that I must be ready to step out of my comfort zone.
“Through the competition, I was able to improve my English language skills and gain new and exciting experiences.”
Surprised to emerge as the winner, Nur Aina Nazurah added: “I was overwhelmed with joy. Winning this competition has undoubtedly motivated me to continue writing in the future.”
Angellyn Loh Jeng Man, 17, who took second place, revealed that her curiosity about a reporter’s functions spurred her to participate.
“This competition was the perfect opportunity for me to dig deeper into journalism. In my passion for writing, I was supported by my teachers and parents. News writing is nothing like writing an article in school. I never knew there were so many important details necessary for a news report until I tried writing one myself,” said Loh.
Another student, Anton Yeoh Zhen Feng, 14, pointed out that a briefing given by a New Straits Times journalist was very helpful.
“I learnt that before writing a news report, we should research the topic, compile all the facts, interview key people of interest, start writing the lead and do a fact-check before publishing.”
The highlight of the festival was the largest Book Swapping event in Malaysia where 4,584 students exchanged books and made new friends.
SMK TTDI Jaya student, Ayra Amani Zulkifli, 16, said that her love of books was the reason behind her participation.
“I developed a keen interest in reading after borrowing a friend’s book back in primary school. Aside from romance and young adult genres, I enjoy reading biographies such as Princess Diana - Her True Story. So how could I miss the largest book swap in the country? I will cherish this experience for a long time.”
She added: “The festival has helped me a lot as a student because it has enabled me to enhance my communication skills and develop leadership qualities.”
Finalist Aiden Lim Kaiven, 14, from SMK TTDI Jaya, who participated in the Cool Coding competition, pointed out that games are educational too.
The Cool Coding competition required students to complete a game-based coding exercise. “I joined the competition because playing games is fun and it keeps my mind active. I did not have any prior experience in coding. So I strongly believe that this competition should be in the next festival,” Lim said.
To shed light on the issue of plastic pollution in Malaysia, students showcased their innovative skills in the 3R Competition. SK TTDI Jaya student Janna Amaneena Johan, 10 and her group members invented a lamp made of plastic spoons and bottles.
She revealed: “After watching tutorials on YouTube and with the help of our teachers and parents, we invented this lamp, inspired by pine trees.”
Students were also involved in the performing arts through competitions such as MySchoolGoals Idol and #MySchoolGoals Model Search.
Ain-Nur Fakhira Roslan,17, who won bronze for her rendition of Semakin by Siti Sarah, in the MySchoolGoals Idol, said: “I love to sing as it expresses my inner thoughts and feelings.
“Getting in the top three was beyond my expectations. It was a tough ride, so winning bronze was a proud moment for me.”
Placing third, she also received the offer of free vocal lessons at The Academy of Recording Arts worth RM1,000. Ain-Nur Fakhira plans to take up the offer after completing her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia.
Another participant, Nur Alyssya Yusoff, 15, decided she would show off her singing skills. “It was a great opportunity for me to do something that I love. I am very grateful as it was my first time participating in a singing competition.”
According to Adibah, it was a great feat for a government school like SMK TTDI Jaya to pull off hosting a festival of such magnitude. “I just wanted to provide opportunities for students to shine. As a teacher of a class with 40 students, I haven’t been able to send everyone to represent the school in various competitions.
“So this festival is an avenue to bring the world to them. Students were able to join each activity based on their talents, interests and creativity,” said Adibah.
“I would also like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Education Ministry for promoting our festival,” said a grateful Adibah.
Supported by more than 15 strategic industry partners including New Straits Times, McDonald’s Malaysia, Selangor Public Library Corporation, Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated, Universiti Teknologi Mara and Universiti Putra Malaysia, the festival was officiated by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Amirudin Shari.