Forest Interactive Foundation and U.S. Embassy Foster English Language Learning in Kedah

September 11, 2024

Kuala Lumpur: In collaboration with the U.S. Embassy and the Kedah Public Library, Forest Interactive Foundation  hosted two highly engaging and educational workshops to celebrate English Language Day.

Aimed at empowering young learners, Forest Interactive Foundation led an Interview Skills Workshop for Form 6 students and an interactive Fun with English Grammar session for younger students, both designed to build practical communication skills crucial for academic and career success.

Interview Skills Workshop

The Interview Skills Workshop focused on equipping Form 6 students with essential techniques to help them stand out during interviews. These techniques included mastering non-verbal communication, such as maintaining eye contact and using confident body language, as well as verbal skills like clear articulation and thoughtful responses. The workshop covered various types of interviews, including behavioral, situational, and group interviews, offering students a comprehensive understanding of what to expect.  

Participants received practical tips on resume building, structuring their experiences effectively, and crafting compelling personal statements. Real-time interview simulations provided a platform for students to practice answering common questions and receive constructive feedback, helping them refine their skills in a supportive environment. By addressing potential challenges such as managing interview anxiety and responding to unexpected questions, the session prepared students to confidently navigate their future career paths.

Fun with English Grammar

For younger learners, the “Fun with English Grammar” session, targeting 12-year-olds, made grammar lessons both enjoyable and interactive. Forest Interactive Foundation adopted a game-based learning approach to break down complex grammar rules into easy-to-understand concepts. Students learned about verbs, adjectives, and nouns through fun activities like charades and Mad Libs, turning traditional grammar exercises into interactive play. They also participated in dictionary scavenger hunts to expand their vocabulary in an engaging way. A comic book reading session added an imaginative twist, where students used storytelling to explore sentence structures and vocabulary usage, sparking their creativity while enhancing language skills. This mix of games, storytelling, and hands-on activities created an enjoyable learning environment, helping students grasp grammar concepts effortlessly while building their confidence in both speaking and writing.

“These workshops reflect our commitment to supporting youth development through education,” said Nisa Saharuddin,  Program & Community Outreach Manager, Forest Interactive Foundation. “By equipping students with essential communication skills, we are helping them take meaningful steps towards future success in both academic and professional contexts.”

Both workshops saw enthusiastic participation from students across the region, who expressed positive feedback on the interactive and educational nature of the sessions. The initiative provided an opportunity for young people to develop critical language skills for their future development in a fun, creative, and encouraging environment. The ability to communicate effectively in English is a critical skill for young people. Proficiency in English not only boosts students' academic performance but also expands their access to global knowledge and opportunities. In professional settings, strong language skills can open doors to better job prospects, help individuals articulate their ideas clearly, and enable them to participate confidently in diverse environments. By developing these skills early on, students are better prepared to succeed in higher education and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. The workshops provided by Forest Interactive Foundation allowed students to practice these vital skills in a fun, creative, and encouraging environment, emphasizing the importance of communication for their future development.

Forest Interactive Foundation remains dedicated to fostering youth empowerment through educational programs, continuing its mission to develop future innovators by providing them with the tools to thrive in a globalized world.

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About Forest Interactive Foundation

Founded in 2021 as an extension of Forest Interactive's sustainability initiatives, Forest Interactive Foundation is a tech-powered non-profit organization with a long-term mission to nurture and develop talents for the digital economy, empower our society, and preserve the environment through sustainable initiatives and programs. The Foundation's three core pillars are Future Innovators, Empowered Communities, and Sustainable Environment.

Since 2006, Forest Interactive has showcased its commitment to those three pillars. Today, Forest Interactive Foundation works with corporate sponsors and government partners such as CIMB Foundation, Axiata Foundation, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), by developing and facilitating flagship programs, demonstrating its commitment and collective effort towards achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Visit www.forestcares.org to learn more.

About the U.S. Embassy and Kedah Public Library

The U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, along with its American Corner partner, Kedah Public Library, actively supports educational and cultural initiatives aimed at fostering mutual understanding and development between Malaysia and the United States.

Since 2007, the U.S. Embassy has partnered with the Kedah State Library, with the main branch in Alor Setar hosting American Corner Kedah. Serving as a program and outreach center for the Embassy in the northern region, American Corner Kedah not only promotes U.S. exchange and education opportunities but also organizes innovative, interactive English language programs for local students, fostering greater engagement and learning.

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