Curtin Malaysia inspires young readers through ‘Beyond Books’ Story Steps Boot Camp

Miri, Sarawak – 17 September 2025 – The Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) Library was buzzing with excitement recently as 26 eager students from SK Sayed Othman took part in the ‘Beyond Books: The Story Steps Boot Camp’, a programme designed to spark imagination, storytelling, and a lifelong love of reading.

Organised by the Curtin Malaysia Library team in collaboration with the Department of General Studies at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, the two-hour boot camp transformed the library into a space for exploration and creativity. The students participated in guided reading, a short library tour, storytelling exercises, hands-on activities such as understanding call numbers and shelving, and a short movie session.

What made the experience even more memorable was the involvement of six Curtin Malaysia student volunteers, who served as facilitators and mentors throughout the programme. Their enthusiasm and creativity inspired the younger children while also giving the university students an opportunity to hone their leadership and community engagement skills.

Jacinta Richard Seling, teacher and Highly Immersive Programme Coordinator at SK Sayed Othman, described the boot camp as “a wonderful partnership that demonstrated the power of collaboration in promoting lifelong learning.” She added, “It was heartening to see how the librarians, lecturer, and Curtin Malaysia students connected with and inspired the children.”

Echoing this, lecturer Farahezza Hairon Nizar from the Department of General Studies highlighted the importance of such initiatives: “Our students are planting seeds of hope and inspiration that will grow far beyond the classroom. This spirit of giving back reminds us that true education is measured not only by achievement, but also by impact.”

Christina Urai Dang, Head of Library and Learning Commons at Curtin Malaysia, emphasised the transformative role of libraries. “Libraries are more than just places for books; they are spaces for discovery, imagination, and connection. Seeing the children’s excitement reminded us why we do what we do, and it was especially rewarding to see our students and staff work hand-in-hand to create such a positive experience.”

The ‘Beyond Books’ boot camp reflects Curtin Malaysia’s wider commitment to building literacy, creativity, and community engagement. It also sets the stage for future collaborations between schools and the university, bringing the joy of learning to more young minds in Miri and beyond.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Students and teachers from SK Sayed Othman in a group photo with Curtin Malaysia staff and students.

Students focused on activities in the computer room.