PETALING JAYA, 13 JUNE 2024 – In response to the growing issue of hate speech amongst girls in school, the second-semester students of MC244 Advertising and MC243 Broadcasting program from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam organised the ‘trYou 2.0: DenDump’ program. Held at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Perempuan Sri Aman on 13 June, the program aimed to raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of hate speech among high school students.
Dr Mohd Yusof Zulkefli who is SULAM Coordinator at the faculty stated “this program is very meaningful because it aims to educate students about the effects of hate speech and how to promote a more insightful and inclusive environment. In addition, a program like this is also very important for students to learn how to communicate civilly and understand the negative consequences that hate speech can bring.
The program involved 167 female students from Form 2 SMK (P) Sri Aman, engaging them in activities designed to promote critical thinking and empathy. Interactive activities, bonding sessions, and group discussions were used to effectively convey the message and challenge participants’ perspectives. Through “trYou 2.0: DenDump,” students have gained valuable insights into the consequences of hate speech. They learned how to communicate respectfully and responsibly, which is vital in our multicultural society.
The senior assistant for student affairs of the school, Puan Nura Binti Abdul Rahman, also expressed her gratitude for the program and highlighted its importance towards the school. “This program is very meaningful for the school because the ideas it brings are highly synonymous with the spirit of the students at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Perempuan Sri Aman, where the use of language in social media or in physical interactions has a significant impact on today’s younger generation,” said Puan Nura.
Educational programs like this can help students become more critical and analytical thinkers, which will enable them to assess media content more carefully, as well as improve their understanding of hate speech and how it harms both individuals and society.
The event received support from various organisations and contributions also came from sponsors like Daughters of Malaysia, Jibril Restaurant Group, Bath Garden, Gifts with Love, Emmamie Creative, Printcious, DIY Printing Supply, Jantzen, My Petani, and Selangor FC.
With the success of “trYou 2.0: DenDump,” organizers and school authorities hope to expand the initiative to more schools, fostering a generation that values respectful and peaceful communication. The ‘trYou 2.0: DenDump’ program demonstrates the significant role educational institutions can play in combating hate speech. By empowering students with respectful communication skills, this initiative is paving the way for a more harmonious society. The dedication and collaboration of UiTM students, faculty, and various supportive organizations underscore the importance and potential of such community-driven educational programs.