Individual Reflection 

SDG 4 – Quality Education

The SDG Exhibition was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to explore the importance of Quality Education (SDG 4) and how it connects to literature. Our booth focused on Maya Angelou’s poem Still I Rise, which reflects resilience, empowerment, and overcoming challenges—values that align with the fight for equal education. Through this exhibition, I had the opportunity to engage with visitors, share knowledge, and reflect on how education can be made accessible to all.

Conducting the exhibition was both fun and educational. One of the most engaging parts was the “Share Your Story” section, where visitors shared their personal experiences related to education. Listening to their stories deepened my understanding of the challenges people face in accessing quality education, especially in rural areas. It was inspiring to see how many people connected with the theme and how literature can be used to highlight real-world struggles in education.

Throughout the exhibition, visitors showed great interest in our SDG theme. Many asked insightful questions, particularly since I am a future teacher. One common question was: “How can teachers ensure that every student in Malaysia, especially in rural schools, receives quality education?”

My response was that as "educators, we must advocate for equal opportunities by adopting inclusive teaching methods, integrating technology into learning, and ensuring that rural schools receive proper resources. Additionally, teachers should focus on student-centered learning, providing extra support for underprivileged students, and working alongside community organizations to bridge educational gaps."

Interestingly, most visitors were unaware of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) before attending the exhibition. This highlighted the importance of raising awareness about SDG 4 and ensuring that more people, especially educators, understand their role in promoting quality education. The discussions we had with visitors helped them see how education is not just about academic success but also about empowerment, accessibility, and lifelong learning.

Literature, including poems like Still I Rise, is an effective medium to teach SDG 4 because it encourages critical thinking, empathy, and self-expression. Through literature, students can explore real-world issues related to education, inequality, and empowerment. By analyzing texts that address social justice themes, they gain a deeper understanding of why quality education matters. Teachers can also use literature to foster discussions, storytelling, and creative writing activities, allowing students to reflect on their educational experiences and aspirations.

The B.ED TESL program can train pre-service teachers to incorporate SDG 4 into their teaching by:

 1. Integrating SDG topics into lesson plans – Training teachers to design lessons that include discussions on global education challenges.

 2. Using diverse literary works – Encouraging the use of literature that highlights educational inequality and inspires students to value learning.

 3. Providing practical teaching experience in rural areas – Allowing trainee teachers to understand and address real challenges in underprivileged schools.

 4. Conducting workshops on inclusive education – Equipping teachers with strategies to support students with different learning needs.

 5. Leveraging digital tools for accessibility – Training teachers to use online resources and technology to reach students in remote areas.

Overall, this exhibition was an eye-opening and meaningful experience that strengthened my passion for ensuring quality education for all. It also reinforced the importance of integrating literature into teaching to inspire students and create a more inclusive and knowledgeable society. Through this experience, I realized the impact educators can have in shaping the future and the importance of advocating for equal education opportunities for every student, regardless of their background.