RCE Penang - 2023

Rabbit Farming Project at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Primary School (SRIBU)
Basic Information
Title of project : 
Rabbit Farming Project at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Primary School (SRIBU)
Submitting RCE: 
RCE Penang
Contributing organization(s) : 
Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Bahrul Ulum Islamic Primary School (SRIBU), Bukit Mertajam, Penang
Focal point(s) and affiliation(s)
Name: 
Dr. Radieah Binti Mohd Nor
Organizational Affiliation: 
Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia
E-mail: 
radieah@usm.my
Name: 
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saidatulakmal Mohd
Organizational Affiliation: 
Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia
E-mail: 
eieydda@usm.my
Name: 
Siti Izaidah Azmi
Organizational Affiliation: 
Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia
E-mail: 
izaidah@usm.my
Name: 
Muzalifah Binti Azmi
Organizational Affiliation: 
Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia
E-mail: 
muzalifah@usm.my
Name: 
Diana Fariha Binti Saad
Organizational Affiliation: 
Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia
E-mail: 
diana_fariha@usm.my
Name: 
Nur Syazwana Binti Hamzah
Organizational Affiliation: 
Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia
E-mail: 
syazwana@usm.my
Name: 
Wan Sharipahmira Binti Mohd Zain
Organizational Affiliation: 
Centre for Global Sustainability Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia
E-mail: 
wansharipahmira@usm.my
Format of project: 
Report
Language of project: 
English
Date of submission:
Saturday, July 29, 2023
Does this project link to any education and/or sustainable development policy or policies?: 
Yes
Malaysian Education Blueprint
At what level is the policy operating?: 
National
Geographical & Education Information
Region: 
Asia-Pacific
Country: 
Malaysia
Location(s): 
Penang
Address of focal point institution for project: 
Bahrul Ulum Islamic Primary School (SRIBU)
Lot 128, Mukim 19, Kampung Mengkuang Titi,
Kubang Semang, 14400 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Ecosystem(s):
Agricultural, Dryland, Grassland
Target Audience:
Community, Higher, Primary, Secondary, Teacher Ed., Youth (Informal)
Socioeconomic and environmental characteristics of the area : 
The Rabbit Farming Project at Sekolah Rendah Islam Bahrul Ulum (SRIBU) in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, has both socioeconomic and environmental characteristics that are important to consider. The project emphasizes the education industry and aims to provide students with a better learning environment by addressing the barrier of family poverty that affects their ability to study comfortably. The Rabbit Farming Project serves as a way to diversify the school's income streams. By engaging in this agricultural initiative, the school aims to generate additional funds to cover tuition costs, improve facilities, and provide better compensation for staff and teachers. In summary, the Rabbit Farming Project at SRIBU in Bukit Mertajam has the potential to address socioeconomic challenges, support education, and contribute to infrastructure development. However, it's essential to approach the project with a focus on sustainability and responsible resource management to minimize its environmental impact and ensure its long-term success. Regular monitoring, adaptation, and community involvement can contribute to the project's positive outcomes.
Description of sustainable development challenge(s) in the area the project addresses: 
The Rabbit Farming Project at Sekolah Rendah Islam Bahrul Ulum (SRIBU) in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, tackles both socioeconomic and environmental considerations. This initiative targets the education sector, aiming to improve the learning environment by addressing family poverty that hampers students' educational experience. The project diversifies the school's income streams, using rabbit farming to generate funds for tuition, facility enhancements, and staff compensation. It holds the potential to address socioeconomic challenges, support education, and contribute to infrastructure development. However, ensuring its success necessitates a sustainable approach, with responsible resource management and community involvement to minimize environmental impact and achieve positive outcomes.
Contents
Status: 
Ongoing
Period: 
January, 2022
Rationale: 
The statement underscores the significance of the education industry and the need to offer quality education. It recognizes that financial constraints arising from family poverty can hinder students' comfortable learning experiences. To counter this, Sekolah Rendah Islam Bahrul Ulum (SRIBU) has initiated the establishment of dormitories to provide an environment conducive to focused studies. However, this effort incurs increased school expenses, prompting the search for alternative income sources due to limitations in enhancing existing income, possibly from low student fees. The introduction of the Rabbit Farming Project is proposed as a solution to address these challenges, aiming to both generate income and develop school infrastructure like student dorms and staff residences. This project not only helps meet financial needs but also diversifies the school's income streams, reducing reliance on conventional funding methods.

Objectives: 
•Conducive Study Environment
Establish dormitories at SRIBU to create an optimal study environment, addressing challenges posed by family poverty and enabling students to focus on academics.

•Boost Income and Stability
Implement the Rabbit Farming Project to increase school income, overcoming financial constraints arising from expenses and low student fees.

•Enhance Infrastructure
Leverage the Rabbit Farming Project to improve school infrastructure, expanding student dorms and teachers' residences for an enriched learning atmosphere.

•Phase Two Expansion
Execute the second phase of the rabbit breeding project, expanding the hutch, creating a petting zoo, and acquiring equipment for rabbit meat storage.

•Financial Support for Sustainability
Secure funding from Maybank MIAM for marketing and frozen storage, ensuring the Rabbit Farming Project's longevity and success.

•Model for Self-Sustainability
Establish the project as a model, inspiring similar initiatives in other schools, reducing dependence on external aid and fostering resourceful education provision.
Activities and/or practices employed: 
The Rabbit Farming Project was initiated at SRIBU to diversify the school's income sources and enhance infrastructure, including dormitories and teacher residences. The project's commencement followed the transfer of funds from Maybank to the USM Treasurer's Department in July 2022. In August 2022, a rabbit coop of dimensions 20' × 20' with an 8' height was established to house 36 White New Zealand breeding rabbits, chosen for suitability. The project's timeline envisions the breeding rabbits yielding results by December 2022, marking the maturity of the first generation for potential sale or processing. Beyond financial gains, the initiative offers students educational experiences in animal husbandry and farming practices. Collaboration with Maybank underscores sustainable community development efforts. The project's design prioritizes ethical animal treatment and efficient management, reflected in the 20' x 20' rabbit coop. The comprehensive approach contributes to the school's financial health and long-term sustainability, aligning with a holistic strategy. Ultimately, the project's projected impact extends to improved income and infrastructure, delivering measurable outcomes as envisioned by its timeline.
Size of academic audience: 
500
Results: 
The Rabbit Farming Project at SRIBU diversified income sources and improved infrastructure, including dormitories and teacher residences. Initiated after funds transfer from Maybank in July 2022, a 20' × 20' rabbit coop was built by August, housing 36 White New Zealand breeding rabbits. The project foresees tangible results from the breeding rabbits by December 2022, providing educational experiences beyond financial gains, involving students in animal husbandry and farming practices. Collaboration with Maybank highlights commitment to sustainable community development. Ethical animal treatment and efficient management guided the design of the rabbit coop. This holistic approach aligns with the school's vision for financial strength and sustainability. The project's impact is evident through enhanced income and infrastructure, in line with the envisioned timeline.
Lessons learned: 
The statement reflects lessons in prudent resource utilization. The Rabbit Farming Project at SRIBU showcased effective income diversification and infrastructure enhancement strategies. Timely execution of coop construction post-funding highlighted efficient planning. The project's dual role in education and financial growth signifies multifaceted benefits. Partnership with Maybank signifies commitment to communal progress. Ethical consideration for animal welfare underscores responsible planning. The comprehensive approach showcases a blueprint for self-sustainability, aligned with the school's long-term vision. Demonstrating tangible outcomes in income and infrastructure underscores the rewards of holistic planning and timely execution, lending credence to proactive measures for financial stability and educational enrichment.
Key messages: 
The statement underscores prudent resource use. SRIBU's Rabbit Farming Project displays successful diversification and infrastructure strategies. Timely coop construction reflects efficient planning. Dual education and financial roles offer varied benefits. Maybank partnership signifies communal commitment. Ethical animal care shows responsible planning. The approach models self-sustainability, aligned with long-term vision. Tangible outcomes reinforce holistic planning's rewards, supporting stability and educational growth.
Relationship to other RCE activities: 
The Rabbit Farming Project at SRIBU exemplifies sustainability and education for sustainable development. By diversifying income sources and enhancing infrastructure, it aligns with the principles of sustainability. The project, initiated with Maybank's support, integrates a purpose-built rabbit coop housing breeding rabbits, engaging students in animal husbandry and farming practices for holistic education. The collaboration underscores commitment to sustainable community development. Ethical animal treatment and efficient coop management demonstrate responsible practices. This comprehensive approach resonates with the school's vision of financial strength and long-term sustainability, showcasing how projects can simultaneously contribute to education, financial stability, and environmental responsibility. The project's success manifests in improved income, infrastructure, and the broader community, demonstrating the integration of sustainability and education for future generations.
Funding: 
Maybank Berhad, Malaysia

Pictures:

File Name Caption for picture Photo Credit
Image icon Rabbit Farming Project1.jpg (48.17 KB) Rabbit Farming Project Centre for Global Sustainability Studies
Image icon Rabbit Farming Project2.jpg (155.21 KB) Rabbit Farming Project Centre for Global Sustainability Studies
Image icon Rabbit Farming Project 3.jpg (199.58 KB) Rabbit Farming Project Centre for Global Sustainability Studies
References and reference materials: 
PDF icon Proposal I done.pdf
PDF icon Proposal II.pdf
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
(https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs) and other themes of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
SDG 1 - End poverty in all its forms everywhere 
Direct
SDG 2 - End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture 
Direct
SDG 3 - Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages 
Direct
SDG 4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all 
Direct
SDG 5 - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls 
Indirect
SDG 6 - Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all 
Indirect
SDG 7 - Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all 
Indirect
SDG 8 - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all 
Indirect
SDG 9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation 
Indirect
SDG 10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries 
Indirect
SDG 11 - Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable 
Indirect
SDG 12 - Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns 
Direct
SDG 13 - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts 
Indirect
SDG 14 - Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development 
Indirect
SDG 15 - Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification and halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss 
Indirect
SDG 16 - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels 
Indirect
SDG 17 - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development 
Direct
Theme
Disaster Risk Reduction 
Indirect
Traditional Knowledge  
Indirect
Agriculture 
Direct
Arts 
Indirect
Curriculum Development 
Indirect
Ecotourism 
Indirect
Forests/Trees 
Direct
Plants & Animals 
Direct
Waste 
Indirect
ESD for 2030-Priority Action Areas
Priority Action Area 1 - Advancing policy 
state: 
Indirect
Priority Action Area 2 - Transforming learning and training environments 
state: 
Direct
Priority Action Area 3 - Developing capacities of educators and trainers 
state: 
Direct
Priority Action Area 4 - Mobilizing youth 
state: 
Direct
Priority Action Area 5 - Accelerating sustainable solutions at local level 
state: 
Direct
Update: 
No
I acknowledge the above: 
Yes