Learning English with ‘Adventures of Karum the Dugong’ in Malaysia
August 22, 2016
MG3 Project Update: Jan thru June 2016
In this reporting period, USM focused on the development of awareness raising materials for local communities in the MY3 pilot site depicting the importance and conservation of dugongs and seagrass. T-shirts, posters, A4 size stickers were designed, using also volunteers’ support. The text for the posters and the A4 size stickers was also translated to Malay. The text for the information sheets were prepared, however they need approval from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia. The designs of the dugong T-shirt, posters, and A4 stickers underwent peer review from colleagues at USM and James Cook University.
Preparation for the first part of the education programme, including English learning on a marine conservation topic (dugong and seagrass protection) was completed with the development and introduction to the community of an environmental dugong storybook entitled ‘The Adventures of Karum the Dugong’. The syllabus for teaching English and conservation using the storybook were prepared by the MY 3 Partner.
USM also drafted Guidelines for Good Practices for dugongs and seagrasses in Tinggi and Sibu Island, Johor.
The Guidelines document provides recommendations on preventing dugong hurting/mortality and seagrass beds degradation; they contain a set of actions guiding how to react when a dugong is found alive or dead and how to give first aid, if possible.