Anuar Ali Universiti Teknologi MARA
Type Your
Indigenous communities are rich with authentic cultural heritage, forest products, unique handicrafts, and ecotourism experiences that increasingly attract international tourists. However, many indigenous communities face communication barriers especially with international visitors due to limited access to education and learning resources which reduce the sustainable socio-economic development. To address this challenge, WOG, Words of Growth was designed as an innovative ecotourism communication kit that empowers indigenous communities through experiential, culturally responsive, and learner-centred learning. The kit integrates a facilitator guide, handbook, game cards, interactive activities, role-play scenarios, vocabulary exercises to reflect authentic ecotourism communication tasks. Through this innovation, participants develop practical communication skills through real-life situations such as welcoming visitors, introducing local culture, explaining traditions, promoting traditional products, providing directions, and sharing ecotourism experiences confidently. Wog was tested over a one year period (four quarters) with the Semai indigenous community in Kampung Chenan Cherah, Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia. The outcome of project manage to established a community learning library equipped with Wog materials, that supports continuous learning. The implementation enhanced communication confidence, practical English skills, active participation, and readiness to engage with international visitors. Beyond language development, community engagement and supports sustainable livelihoods through ecotourism. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 8 which focus on quality education and economic growth, Wog innovation offers a practical, scalable, and sustainable communication learning innovation that can also be adapted across indigenous and rural communities to promote inclusive ecotourism development.
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