Latest news with #SMKMengkebang
The Star
6 days ago
- General
- The Star
Teacher excels in classroom despite physical disabilities
Compiled by C. ARUNO, SHYAFIQ DZULKIFLI and R. ARAVINTHAN A TEACHER born without both legs and his left arm has not let his physical limitations stop him from fulfilling his duties as an educator, Berita Harian reported. Hashim Mohamad, 36, is a Bahasa Melayu teacher at SMK Mengkebang. He uses only his right hand to move around and perform daily tasks with unwavering passion. 'Disability is not an excuse to fail,' said Hashim, who has been teaching since 2014. 'I strive to be on par with other teachers.' To ease his movement, the school provided him with a special classroom on the ground floor, avoiding the need to climb stairs. He also drives to work in a vehicle modified for persons with disabilities (OKU). The Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris graduate's dedication has been recognised through several awards, including the JPN Kelantan Excellent OKU Teacher Award in 2018 and the JKM Successful OKU Award in 2015. > Two siblings have been forced to drop out of school due to financial hardship, dashing their dreams of becoming a doctor and a soldier, the daily also reported. Nur Auni Asna Mohd Norhisham, 16, and her brother Mohammad Nor Hilman, 14, have not been to school for over a year, as their mother could no longer afford the cost of their education. Their mother, Sapiah Dolah, 38, has been raising four children on her own since her husband disappeared several years ago. She earns only RM50 to RM55 daily from selling vegetables, and pays RM250 a month in rent. 'I feel guilty that two of my children had to stop schooling, but what choice do I have? 'Even daily meals are just enough to get by, let alone covering school expenses for all of them at once. I simply can't afford it,' she said. Nur Auni said that both she and Mohammad Nor Hilman were previously placed in the second-highest performing class and were still eager to continue studying, but circumstances forced them to stop halfway. 'My ambition is to become a doctor and my brother wanted to be a soldier, but that dream may now be buried. It's heartbreaking to give up on our ambitions, but it is our last option,' she said. Nur Auni now helps care for her younger siblings. Their plight caught the attention of the Cempaka Merah Asnaf Society, an NGO which has stepped in to provide assistance. The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Support from colleagues, students helps disabled teacher inspire
KUALA KRAI: Spirit and dedication has helped an inspiring teacher born with disabilities overcome his limitations. SMK Mengkebang teacher Hashim Mohamad, 36, was born with underdeveloped legs and left arm. He uses his right arm to move around. He carries out his duties as an educator with full commitment, becoming an inspiration for his colleagues and students. "I'm not like other people. But I believe I am just as capable as any other teacher. I want to be living proof that limitations are not an excuse to fail." Hashim began his journey as an educator in July 2014 and currently teaches Bahasa Melayu at SMK Mengkebang. Since the beginning of his career, he has given his best to his students to help them succeed. "Due to my movement limitations, the school has provided me a classroom on the ground floor to ease the teaching and learning process. "It has been really helpful as I no longer need to climb stairs to reach upper-floor classrooms. "The school also provided short tables to help me communicate with students more easily. "I make full use of technology, such as a laptop and a projector, so I don't face issues delivering my lessons to students. "I can walk and climb stairs, but I am slower than others. Having a classroom on the ground floor has been very helpful. "Alhamdulillah, all the teachers and students have been incredibly supportive. They often help me with my movement and everyday tasks." Hashim is the fifth of eight siblings and holds a Bachelor in Malaysian Studies with Education from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris Perak. He said teaching with a disability was not an easy task. "Every job has its challenges. As an educator who is disabled, my role is to teach despite my limitations. "Every day, I drive to school with a car modified for disabled people. "I have never seen my disability as a barrier. I use it as motivation to inspire my students and society. "I wanted to be a lawyer, but Allah SWT led me to education. I'm grateful that I can educate the next generation." Hashim's dedication has won him recognition. He received the OKU Teacher Icon Award from the Kelantan Education Department in 2019, the Excellent OKU Teacher Award from the same department in 2018, the Active Young Teacher Award from the Kuala Krai District Education Office in 2017 and the Successful OKU Award from the Social Welfare Department in 2015.
