"It takes a village to raise a child"
Taylor's College, in collaboration with Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) RPS Banun, has established a Learning Hub to uplift the Orang Asli students in Gerik, Perak. This initiative, led by Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass, RISE Educator Award 2024 winner, provides a flexible space for both educational and collaborative activities.
Puan Fadzliaton Zainudin, Deputy Director of Education Resources and Technology Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia, officiated the event and highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration, stating, "This partnership supports our mission to make education accessible to all students. It aligns with the 'Sekolah Milik Masyarakat' concept, benefiting not only students but also parents and the wider community."
Josephine Tan, Taylor's College Campus Director, said, "The RISE Educator Award celebrates exceptional teachers across Malaysia who have significantly enhanced their teaching capabilities, particularly in supporting students with special needs. By empowering students to dream big, these educators use their creativity and innovative methods to transform learning experiences. For instance, Cikgu Shawn’s approach with a classroom flight simulator exemplifies experiential learning, allowing students to explore and understand the aviation environment without leaving the classroom. This initiative provides a platform for Malaysian educators to showcase innovative pedagogies, inspiring a new generation of learners to achieve their full potential.”
The community project was also joined by Sarah Lasung, Head of Training and Leadership at Teach For Malaysia. "It’s an honor to partner with Taylor's College in acknowledging and celebrating educators who go the extra mile to inspire and uplift others. Cikgu Shawn’s commitment to his students highlights the profound impact passionate educators have on our communities. We hope his story motivates others to support and empower the next generation of learners throughout Malaysia," she said.
Transforming Space, Empowering Minds
The idea for The Learning Hub was sparked by four students who saw potential in transforming an underutilised area of the school into a functional, community-serving space. It offers a dedicated space for students of SK RPS Banun and the surrounding Orang Asli villages to study, learn, and engage in structured activities.
"Every child learns and grows at their own pace, and as educators, it is our responsibility to continue fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that nurtures their unique potential. Hence, this Learning Hub was created as a place where students can learn, grow, and connect with their community. Driven by a vision to transform an unused area into something meaningful, the students took the initiative to bring this idea to life. Thanks to the RM20,000.00 funding and support from Taylor's College, along with the invaluable guidance of my mentor, Nur Syazadiyanah binti Suraini, during the ideation of the Learning Hub, that vision has become a reality. This is just the beginning, but it's an important step in helping our students overcome the challenges they face." said Cikgu Shawn.
Bridging Education and Community
The Learning Hub is a product of collaboration, created with input from a focus group of 16 participants, including parents. Built by the community itself, this innovative space uniquely blends modern educational functionality with cultural heritage. The use of upcycled materials not only showcases sustainability but also reflects the values of the community that constructed it. Its thoughtful design includes three distinct zones (Learning, Play, and Collaboration) each catering to specific educational needs while supporting diverse teaching methods.
Inside, the space comes alive with interactive wall panels, a mural painted by students, and areas designed for exploration, technology, quiet study, leisure, and edutainment. These elements work together to inspire curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, emphasising the community's collective effort to create a dynamic, culturally enriched environment. The Learning Hub truly embodies the spirit of innovation, bridging the gap between education and community.
Headmaster Mohd Zamarol Ahmad of SK RPS Banun expressed his appreciation, stating, "For many of our students, the outside world can seem distant, but with this Learning Hub, we are bringing new opportunities closer to them. This initiative is a significant milestone for our community and a reminder of the potential we can unlock through collaboration. On behalf of the school and the community, I extend our sincere thanks to Taylor's College for their generous support. The RM20,000 funding and projectors will greatly improve our teaching resources and help our students succeed."
Earlier this year, Taylor's College has crowned Shawn Stanly Anthony Dass as the RISE Educator Award 2024 winner. The dedicated educator, who previously taught in a remote village in Gerik, Perak, received RM5,000 for his achievement, while his school was granted RM20,000. Additionally, four finalists of the RISE Educator Award 2024 were each awarded RM1,000, with RM10,000 allocated to their schools to enhance facilities or infrastructure, supporting a conducive environment for quality education.
For more information on the RISE Educator Award, please visit Taylor's College website HERE.
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