The resignation of Dr. Maszlee Malik as the Ministry of Education has shocked many people. A victory to some but a devastating news to most. Especially to the teachers, parents and children community. In time of this healing period, it is important for us to focus on the goods that Dr. Maszlee has brought upon in the education field. As of last year, he has introduced nationally on the Zero Reject Policy; A Shot at Life for Special Children.
THE new “Zero Reject Policy”, introduced by the Education Ministry (MOE), has brought joy to special needs pupils and their parents because it allows the children to enroll in national schools without difficulty. The policy has allayed fears among parents as it provides equal opportunity and access to education for disabled children. All parents need to do is to register their children at the ministry’s website two years before they begin primary schooling to secure a place at the school of their choice. Early intervention can then be given to the pupils before the school year begins. This will facilitate a smooth transition into primary school for the disabled children and enables them to participate in the teaching and learning process. Under this policy, pupils with special needs will receive an education that corresponds with their abilities, either at national schools via the Inclusive Education Programme (PPI), the Special Education Integrated Programme (PPKI) or Special Education School (SPK) at primary and secondary levels. Maszlee also said the government plans to introduce disabled-friendly education programs into Malaysia’s school system to provide a more inclusive approach. "We plan to make all mainstream schools disabled-friendly and to have a more inclusive approach to special needs education. We are strengthening the existing programs, scaling up initiatives and increasing the pool of experts to support these students. Our aim is to give every child with special needs access to a high-quality education that is tailored to their particular needs and having every teacher equipped with basic know- ledge of special education." Indeed, every child has a right to an education. XOXO, Umairah
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Where do I even begin? This semester has been a diabolical journey of realizing things and gearing myself for whatever that may come my way. I learn new things everyday, but this semester has been exceptionally well written with its twisted plots and endings. The start of the journey to the very day of the dramatization was no different. It was a journey packed with mixed emotions, getting lost in the highway of sanity and playing mind tricks of getting myself back on track. It was a bittersweet memory. But this journey, this journey has somehow bloomed the mundane days into a palate full of vibrant colors. This evocation will forever hold a special place in my heart. XOXO, Umairah Here's the video of our play. I'd say that we have succeeded into delivering the masterpiece as written by Hanna Alkaf. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it!
Malaysia Empowering Youth Movement x Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farm (WWOOF). For those who do not know of WWOOF, it is a worldwide movement linking volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences based on trust and non-monetary exchange, thereby helping to build a sustainable, global community. I tried many different things while I was in Korea but WWOOF was definitely the highlight of my trip. Whoever thought picking acorns would be so thrilling and exciting! The abundance of joy I had while picking acorns was probably because of the cold weather there. You wouldn't hear me complaining at all. I mean, what's there to complaint about when the weather made me the happiest person alive hehe. I believe that my patience level would descend quickly if the weather was anything like in Malaysia. Malaysia is very panas that it turns me into an angrier person. Hah! Ahhhh, the owner of the farm was generous and kind enough to offer us to pluck the cherry tomatoes that they grow on our own. The taste of it was delicious - sweet and luscious. Just like the weather (no pun intended) aha. Here are some of the pictures that we managed to capture despite getting ourselves engrossed with picking acorns and eating free flow of cherry tomatoes. XOXO,
Umairah Teaching English to underprivileged students.
Malaysia Empowering Youth Movement has raised the bar high for our portfolio tracks when we decided to be part of the Hope Regional Children's Center. It's a center where volunteers from different countries come together in completing the same mission which is; teaching English to underprivileged students. Before we make moves to the center, we were told to wait at the nearest train station as we had to wait for other volunteers. In order to reach the center, we had to walk from the train station. I respect the Koreans because walking kilometers of distance is a part of their daily lives. Ya Rabbi, the walking part was not very enjoyable because it was tiring. Good thing, my legs were still intact lol. I didn't expect the center to be that far from the 'nearest' train station *inserts emoji* The teaching part however, was exciting to me even though I had some difficulty due to language barrier during the first half. But then Azim came to the rescue and made things easier for me. The student I was teaching had an average command of English, very witty and somewhat seemed reluctant to be at the center - probably because she was tired because it was a school day. When Azim and I asked her if she would like to continue learning the next topic, she answered us with a drawing of an angry emoji. How did we both react to this random act? You be the judge! Hahahaha. We had fun nevertheless. XOXO, Umairah The human brain is an intricate organ. It is made up of as many as 100 billion neurons or brain cells but only weighs 3 pounds. Some people believe that a person is either left-brained or right-brained and that this determines the way they think and behave. The left and right sides of the brain are connected by a great number of The human brain is an intricate organ. It is made up of as many as 100 billion neurons or brain cells but only weighs 3 pounds.nerve fibers. In a healthy brain, the two sides communicate with one another. The two sides of the brain look very much alike, but there’s a huge difference in how they process information. The two sides do not necessarily have to communicate. If a person has an injury that separates the two brain hemispheres, they are still able to function relatively normally. The human brain is constantly reorganizing itself. It’s adaptable to change, whether it’s physical or through life experience. It’s tailor-made for learning. People are either left-brained or right-brained, meaning that one side of their brain is dominant. If you’re mostly analytical and methodical in your thinking, you’re said to be left-brained. If you tend to be more creative or artistic, you’re thought to be right-brained. The left brain is more verbal, analytical, and orderly than the right brain. It’s sometimes called the digital brain. It’s better at things like reading, writing, and computations. The right brain is more visual and intuitive. It’s sometimes referred to as the analog brain. It has a more creative and less organized way of thinking. As for left brain teachers, they generally prefer to teach using lecture and discussions. They give problems to the students to solve independently. They assign more research and writing. Being in a clean, quiet and structured classroom is definitely a kick starter before starting a lesson! Right brain teachers, however, prefer to use hands-on activities. They incorporate arts, visuals, and music to their lessons. They assign more group projects and prefer a busy, active, and noisy classroom environment. I am definitely a right brain soon to be teacher! XOXO, Umairah |
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January 2020
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