The Albukhary International University (AIU) Library, in collaboration with AIU students from Softnex (3Zero Club), has taken a remarkable step forward in shaping young minds by organizing The NEED Project Engagement and Outreach Program. Held at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tunku Laksamana, this impactful initiative brought together 30 enthusiastic library prefects for a half-day filled with leadership training, skill-building, and hands-on knowledge-sharing sessions.
The event ran from 8.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and aimed to strengthen the role of library prefects as future leaders of school resource centres while nurturing confidence, teamwork, and digital literacy in an ever-changing educational landscape.
Program Highlights: Modules Designed for Growth
To ensure maximum impact, the program featured four carefully designed modules that catered to both traditional and modern aspects of library management and leadership. These modules were interactive, practical, and highly engaging, leaving a lasting impression on participants.
- Introduction to Resource Centre Prefectship
- Provided participants with an overview of the important roles and responsibilities of library prefects.
- Highlighted the values of discipline, leadership, and service to others.
- Encouraged young leaders to see themselves as custodians of knowledge and promoters of reading culture.
- Library Materials Processing
- Taught participants how books and resources are processed and organized in a library system.
- Focused on cataloguing, labeling, and proper care of library materials.
- Enabled students to understand how order and structure help create easy access to knowledge.
- Information Search & Retrieval
- Introduced modern techniques for finding and retrieving reliable information.
- Highlighted both physical resources (books, journals, magazines) and digital tools (online databases, search engines).
- Trained students to be critical thinkers who can distinguish between credible sources and misinformation.
- Digital Literacy
- Empowered students with essential 21st-century skills, including online safety, responsible technology use, and digital collaboration.
- Connected the traditional role of library prefects with the digital world, preparing them for a tech-driven future.
Active Participation: Students Taking Charge of Learning
Throughout the sessions, the 30 library prefects from SK Tunku Laksamana were not passive listeners, but active participants. They engaged in discussions, asked thought-provoking questions, and worked in groups on various hands-on activities.
Their enthusiasm was a clear reflection of their eagerness to learn, their curiosity to explore new ideas, and their willingness to take on leadership responsibilities. By the end of the program, these young leaders had not only gained new knowledge but also boosted their confidence and strengthened their sense of teamwork.
Voices of Encouragement: Support from School Leaders
The program received strong appreciation from the school’s leadership. En. Azman, Guru Penolong Kanan of SK Tunku Laksamana, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in shaping the future of students.
“Activities and programs like this encourage students, especially those from the B40 community, to build self-confidence and gain different kinds of exposure.”
His words reinforced the significance of outreach efforts that go beyond academics, helping students build skills that will serve them for life.
Gratitude and Teamwork: Making the Event a Success
The half-day program concluded with heartfelt gratitude extended to SK Tunku Laksamana for their warm hospitality and unwavering support in hosting this initiative. Special recognition was also given to the dedicated Softnex students, whose teamwork, creativity, and passion played a major role in ensuring the success of the event.
Their efforts demonstrated AIU’s commitment to not just academic excellence, but also to community service, leadership development, and social responsibility.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Vision of The NEED Project
Through initiatives like The NEED Project, the AIU Library continues to live up to its mission of being a Centre of Reference that goes beyond providing academic resources. Instead, it actively contributes to student empowerment, community engagement, and leadership training.
Looking to the future, the AIU Library is committed to expanding outreach programs to other schools, creating more opportunities for young learners to grow, lead, and inspire others. By nurturing library prefects and empowering them with modern skills, AIU is helping shape the next generation of community leaders who will drive change and uphold the values of knowledge-sharing.
The NEED Project at SK Tunku Laksamana was more than just a training session—it was a movement to inspire and nurture future leaders. By equipping young students with knowledge, leadership skills, and digital literacy, AIU is laying a strong foundation for a future where libraries continue to serve as vibrant centres of learning, growth, and innovation.
