Youth camp takes learning out of the classroom and into Sabah's rainforest
KOTA KINABALU: Climate change education took a meaningful turn for 40 Sabah youths this week when they ventured from the classroom into the rainforest as part of a three-day experiential learning camp in Sandakan.
The Youth Camp on Climate Change 2025, launched Friday (May 2) at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), is organised by the Sabah Forestry Department and sponsored by the state Youth and Sports Ministry.
Running until Sunday (May 4), the camp brings together participants aged 17 to 25 from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Politeknik Sandakan, Kolej Komuniti Sandakan, Kolej Vokasional Sandakan II, and Kolej Komuniti Lahad Datu.
Participants were randomly assigned to five groups and given tasks related to climate issues to encourage teamwork, critical thinking and leadership skills. Their results will be presented to the group at the end of the camp.
By empowering participants to share what they learn with their peers and communities, the programme aims to expand its reach beyond the three-day camp.
About 70% of the activities are held outdoors, with support from members of the Sabah Environmental Education Network, including the Sabah Wildlife Department and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, along with researchers from the Forest Research Centre in Sepilok.
To deepen their understanding of climate impacts, the youths also visited a landfill managed by the Sandakan Municipal Council to learn about the connection between waste management and environmental sustainability.
Youth and Sports Ministry deputy permanent secretary Mary Paul Mijong Dagul, who officiated the launch on behalf of Minister Datuk Ellron Angin, said the camp was a reminder that learning can happen beyond the classroom.
'Knowledge can also be shared in the field, amid nature, and within communities struggling with the impacts of climate change.
'Camps like this give youths the chance to see, understand and take action," she said.
Also present was Forest Research centre head Dr Arthur Chung, representing chief conservator of forests Datuk Frederick Kugan.
'Climate change is not just an issue for experts, it's something that everyone should understand,' Chung said.
The organisers said early education is vital for building future leaders who can respond to climate challenges and help drive long-term solutions.
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