SUBANG JAYA, July 7 — Form 4 students chosen for the Selangor Enlightenment Programme (PENSEL) will be from various backgrounds to include more perspectives, said programme director Ainil Norazman.
She said participants were chosen by their schools, adding that having students from different walks of life allow them to share creative, beneficial ideas and distinct views.
“The programme is in person and will be guided by trained facilitators. They will visit schools and set up book clubs. Each club will have around 20 students from various backgrounds so their perspectives are different.
“With professional help, we can focus on how to write better, produce good writing, and learn the art of writing. This is important so they understand and can discuss literary content,” she added.
Earlier today, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari officiated the launch of PENSEL, which is managed by Media Selangor Sdn Bhd and TYMBA Education Group.
Ainil said PENSEL has the potential to shape a mature generation that dares to think, ask, and confidently and courteously voice their stances.
“PENSEL not only encourages a reading culture, but exposes (participants) to the confidence to build an ability to be creative, writing creatively,” she added.
PENSEL is being executed this month until March to foster a reading culture and critical thinking among students, with the aim of drawing around 800 Form 4 students statewide.
Throughout its execution, PENSEL will explore five books, namely, The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer (environmental themes), Cita Sempurna Warisan Sejarah by Syed Hussain al-Attas (nationhood), Sejarah Selangor 1766-1939 by JM Gullick (history), 1984 by George Orwell (literature), and Edible Economics by Ha-Joon Chang.
