Reflective Writing of Sustainable Development Goal---Quality Education---

Assalamualaikum, everyone. I'm Nur Aishahtul Najah Binti Ghazali (2110252) student MBBS of IIUM year 1 and I'm back for my another reflective writing for Sustainable Development Goal subject. This time, I am going to share a little bit about another sustainable development goal, which is quality education. Before we proceed to my sharing, i want to elaborate a little bit about this goal. Quality education is the fourth of Sustainable Development Goal and is among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations in September 2015. The full title of SDG 4 is "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all" which this is quite related to the method of learning in Malaysia now which is the online learning.

  As we know, Malaysia is also affected by the Covid-19 epidemic which has affected the lives of almost 6 million people worldwide. Many things and daily activities are affected as a result of this epidemic where this also includes the education system in our country. This learning method has effected on many students, teachers, lecturers and parents, including university students. At first, I felt that this method of learning was not bad, but after a long time of online learning, I could feel that the fun to learn began to fade and could not feel anything after learning something. The online learning method is also quite challenging for university students as we find it difficult to conduct discussions between us related to learning as there are internet disruptions in some places due to geographical location and also weather uncertainties. We also found it difficult to communicate because we each could not get to know each other better causing us to often feel embarrassed to voice our opinions with the lecturer and other colleagues. Therefore, my impression of the quality education implemented online is quite bad compared to the physical class. However, I feel lucky and relieved also after the university iium instructed us to return to campus to undergo hybrid learning, which is half online and half class physically.

  However, in the process of restoring the education system towards hybrid learning, there was an unexpected disaster in Kuantan, namely the flood disaster that affected many houses and property of the residents, including university students who were also stranded by the floods. Therefore, this also affects the quality of education in Malaysia which is the biggest obstacle to realizing the Sustainable Development Goal in this situation. I initially felt sorry for the victims affected by the floods. Just imagine, this online remote learning is enough to burden the students, now this problem is compounded by the burden of losing property and shelter. However, I realize that my pity does not solve their problems and they also do not need that pity to settle their problems. Therefore, I am determined to take the opportunity available to help them financially and volunteer support. I joined a WhatsApp group where a team of volunteers consisting of students and staff of IIUM was formed as soon as the news about the flood victims broke. This WhatsApp group has many updates on the progress of the situation and the places of the flood victims, besides they also gathered some students who were able to attend the houses and schools of the flood victims to do volunteer activities such as cleaning the affected places and giving words of support to the affected flood victims. There were also messages sent via WhatsApp encouraging students to join volunteers and channel donations to flood victims. 

  Through this event, I realized something every test has a goodness behind the incident. The floods and Covid-19 that occurred in Malaysia did affect the quality of education at the university in terms of formal education, but these incidents actually indirectly educate us to instill good values in ourselves besides busying ourselves with learning and assignments for course subjects which enables the goal of becoming a qualified and well-behaved doctor to be realized. Through those events and situations that I went through, I was able to learn many things about our society at this time where I believe our society still has many who are still humane and care about others. I was also able to learn that positive thinking can also change our actions and deeds to do something that can help others where every adversity has its benefits. I think that's all I can share for sharing this time. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my essay.