This article is sponsored by Taylor’s College.
Images via Taylor’s College; Edited by HITZ
We all have that one cikgu that we’re extra grateful for. That cikgu who goes out of the way to make sure you really understand the confusing madness of Add Math, or the one who listens to your problems like a good friend.
Well, the students of SMK Kuala Krau have that one cikgu too. His name is Cikgu Hazeem and he’s one of the Top 5 finalists of Taylor’s College’s RISE Educator Award.
Cikgu Hazeem often goes above and beyond to help his students
Based in a small-town school called SMK Kuala Krau in a remote area of Pahang, Cikgu Hazeem sees the potential in many of his OKU and Orang Asli students and wants to give them opportunities to secure a brighter future.
Image via Taylor’s College
One of the initiatives that he’s pulled off included garnering sponsors to help Amir, his student with cerebral palsy, to fulfil a personal dream. Coming from a struggling family, Amir has always been amazed by stories of his more privileged friends travelling on planes to holiday destinations. So, Cikgu Hazeem gifted Amir his first flying experience!
With the help of generous organisations, he worked hard to raise funds and brought Amir, along with his other specially-abled and Orang Asli schoolmates, to Langkawi!
When was the last time a teacher actually brought you on a holiday, amirite?
Getting the RISE Educator of The Year Award for building an OKU-friendly multimedia lab!
Image via Taylor’s College
Of course, that’s not the actual story that got Taylor’s College awarding him though. His other initiative was to build a multimedia studio specifically for his specially-abled and Orang Asli students.
Puan Haspura Abu Hanipah, a counsellor in the same school, heard about the award and decided to nominate Cikgu Hazeem after seeing his amazing efforts.
Cikgu Hazeem said, “It’s an earnest recognition for the efforts that educators have done for their students, and it’s truly humbling to know that my story of inspiring excellence for my special needs and Orang Asli students won the hearts of the RISE Educator Award judges.”
Image via Taylor’s College
The teacher decided to pursue a degree in special education after seeing how a cousin of his, who’s a slow learner, went through many challenges in his studies due to the education system.
“I wanted to understand how I could make education easier, accessible and more inclusive for him and this section of society,” he added.
The OKU Multimedia Studio is based on a ‘gaming’ concept and students can get skill certs too!
Image via Taylor’s College
You probably had an IT lab in your school too, but the one created by Cikgu Hazeem is going to be on another level! It’s based on the gaming trend and will be fitted with some of the latest computers and accessories, gaming chairs and tables, digital cameras, and more.
Using the RM5,000 winnings Cikgu Hazeem got along with the RM10,000 sponsorship from Taylor’s College, SMK Kuala Krau will have a first-of-its-kind OKU-friendly multimedia IT lab in the country!!
Image via Taylor’s College
Cikgu Hazeem explained, “Through the lab, the school and I worked to design learning modules that teach students complimentary IT competencies such as video and photo editing, gaming-based learning, broadcasting skills and more.”
The best part of this lab isn’t just the concept or the skills that the students can hone, but that they can get a certification called ‘Sijil Kemahiran Tahap 3’, which the students can use to apply for jobs.
Now THAT is what levelling up is all about!
The RISE Educator Award happens every year and there are multiple winners!
Cikgu Hazeem is just one of the 3 winners from this year’s edition. Visit Taylor’s College’s website to read more awe-inspiring stories of teachers and educators. Who knows, you may see a familiar face from your school days too!
Meanwhile, if you have a teacher whom you think deserves to be awarded, make sure you follow Taylor’s College’s Facebook page for updates on next year’s award!