In an age where knowledge is just a click away, we can’t help but ask ourselves: Do schools still matter? Do teachers still add value?
To quote a university president in the United States, “If learning were only about acquiring knowledge, we could simply turn on a computer and teach ourselves everything from primary school to university.”
Indeed, how many students truly have the discipline, initiative and guidance to learn effectively on their own? Thus, the value of teachers lies in this: when you don’t feel like studying, they remind you that your assignment is due tomorrow; when you doubt yourself, they encourage you to keep going; when you feel like giving up, they stand with you, making sure you reach your goal.
Teachers do more than deliver knowledge – they guide, accompany and inspire growth.
No matter how great a student’s struggles are, with the right support, affirmation and effort, progress and success will follow.
Nurhanna Sarah Hanafi, a postgraduate from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), is proof of this.
A dedicated tutor who specialises in teaching Bahasa Melayu (BM), she guided two underprivileged Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates last year, helping R.S. from Butterworth score an A- in the subject, and B.H. from Bukit Mertajam pass with a grade E.
These students were part of a community service programme jointly organised by USM and the Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia in Penang.
The tutoring programme pairs students with near-age tutors for one-on-one guidance, providing support tailored to each learner’s level. Being close in age helps tutors build trust and rapport quickly, allowing them to act as positive role models and inspire students throughout their learning journey.
Sharing Nurhanna Sarah’s commitment to preparing for every lesson and guiding R.S. patiently, her mother said the grade was beyond what the family had imagined possible.
Meanwhile, B.H. faced significant challenges prior to the SPM exams, particularly in passing BM and History. Thanks to Nurhanna Sarah, she eventually succeeded in passing both subjects, securing a brighter future for herself.
R.S. and B.H. are just two of over 30 SPM candidates who benefited from the programme last year. With the support of volunteers and tutors, underprivileged students, regardless of race, religion or background, are given the opportunity to receive quality educational guidance.
In moments when they need help the most, such support provides encouragement to create a lasting and profound impact on their lives.
DR YING CHEE KEAT
USM
*The names of the tutoring programme participants have been changed to protect their privacy.
