Inti International University, Malaysia

I-am-FungTastic!

In order to disseminate the knowledge on fungi and their importance to our lives, the Principal of Four Q-dees Preschools has collaborated with Inti International University (INTI) to organize a mushroom growing campaign aimed at educating children about the significance of fungi. The initiative aligns with INTI's commitment to knowledge dissemination and fulfilling corporate social responsibility, focusing on the United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The program, titled I-Am-Fung-Tastic! involves INTI's students and staff delivering presentations to children about the roles of fungi, particularly oyster mushrooms, in our lives. A "one kid one mushroom" practice was implemented, with INTI getting financial support from our co-organizer, Happy Health (M) Sdn Bhd, to purchase the cultured bottles containing spores. Throughout this project, the students lead the program, supported by INTI staff and preschool teachers. Positive feedback from children and parents indicates enthusiasm for future activities promoting mushroom cultivation.

Top 3 Learnings

1. By us interacting with a wide range of individuals involved in education, such as preschool children, instructors, parents, and external partners, we realized it is a vital component for the achievement of educational programs.
2. The ability for us to be flexible in our planning and to adjust to unforeseen consequences is critical during the execution of this project that encompass numerous stakeholders and activities.
3. Our external collaborators have helped us to enhance our project outcomes and encourage innovation. By capitalizing on the knowledge and assets of various stakeholders, our endeavours can be rendered more efficient and enduring, thereby fostering comprehensive learning experiences for all participants.