Main image via New Straits Times 

English teacher Samuel Isaiah was announced as the eighth educator to join Top 10 finalists of the Global Teacher Prize 2020

Initially the educator was reluctant to join the competition, but only decided to go all in after two of his mentors persuaded and encouraged him to do so. Not only did he manage to pull off the task of winning over the panel, he also managed to provide exposure for the work he was doing.

Over 12,000 nominations and applications from more than 140 countries were sent to participate in the US$1mil award, which was established by the Varkey Foundation, in partnership with UNESCO. Malaysians are proud to know that the teach at SK Runchang in Pahang was shortlisted from a huge number of entries from around the world.

 Samuel, who teaches orang asli students in Pahang, travelled 200km to and from school every day to reach his students, among them Orang Asli, who live in the rainforest. He managed to provide laptops and tablets for the students through a national crowd-funding campaign and continues to dedicate his life to inspiring his students to dream big and to connect with the outside world. With his remarkable efforts, the school's average pass rate in English rose up to 85% from an average of 30%. 

His award entry is joined by teachers from India, Nigeria, Italy, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States and South Korea. We at RAAGA wish him the best of luck! And to all Cikgus across the country, thank you for your dedication in nourishing young minds with hope, dreams and ambition.

Info via The star

Written by Thineshkan