KUCHING: This year’s Teachers’ Day is not only a day to recognise the contributions of teachers and educators but it is also a day to remember the challenges faced by teachers and educators to provide lessons online.
Home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) are taking the place of physical classes in order to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
However, many students in the longhouses do not have access to the Internet, thus making PdPR impossible.
Nevertheless, teachers in rural schools do not mind going the extra mile to send school materials right to the children’s longhouses to make sure they do not miss out on their lessons.
Headmaster Mohammad Mobun of a rural school, SK Nanga Oyan in Kapit, ssid he encouraged his teachers and all rural teachers in the state not to give up what they were doing.
“This is to ensure all their students continue to receive education.
“During this pandemic, it is indeed a challenge for us in the rural areas, especially when there is no Internet access.
“As a school principal, I know all the work that goes into teaching under typical circumstances. Teaching during this Covid-19 pandemic is so far from typical. It is literally nothing school systems have ever done before,” he said.
Mohammad said putting together distance learning plans was not easy but the teachers had adapted well.
“For SK Nanga Oyan, introducing the Ruai Based Learning (RBL) programme during this pandemic to the community, especially children from the rural areas can replace the online learning system due to network coverage issues,” he said.
Mohammad said that since the implementation of the RBL 1.0 until RBL 3.0, the progress and feedback were incredible.
“It is one of the best achievements to help our children from rural areas,” he said.
In his Teachers’ Day message to teachers on Sunday, Mohammad said, “I know how much your students mean to you and how much you love seeing them light up when they learn something new. But, don’t worry. Your children are still learning something new every day.
“I want you to know that you are seen and you are valued. You may not be listed as essential workers. But you are essential.
“Do take care of yourself, be well, try your best. And thank you for being there. Happy Teachers’ Day.”
Teachers’ Day in Malaysia is held annually on May 16. It is a special day to honour teachers and educators for their contributions in education.
