Izzat aspires to create a positive impact among students at SMK Penrissen.
AT SMK Penrissen in Kuching, two passionate Sarawakians are making waves in education by transforming the lives of their students and strengthening ties with the local community.
Teach for Malaysia (TFM) Fellows Vanny Jelumi Ranggau and Mohd Izzat Dahelan have embraced roles that extend far beyond the classroom, fostering holistic development in their students.
Both Fellows are united in their mission to ensure that every child receives quality education, regardless of economic background or geographic location.
Students engaging in a classroom activity at SMK Penrissen.
Through innovative teaching methods, leadership programmes and community outreach, they are shaping a generation that sees education as a cornerstone for success and transformation.
For Vanny, who hails from Miri, the journey began in 2023 when she joined the TFM Fellowship with a deeply personal mission to give back to her Sarawakian roots.
Vanny (left) taking part in a parents-teacher meeting at SMK Penrissen.
“Young people in my hometown often lack exposure to the true value of education,” said Vanny. “I aim to bridge that gap by inspiring them to see education not just as a necessity but as a powerful tool for the future.”
At SMK Penrissen, Vanny teaches Mathematics to Form One students, working closely with a co-teacher to tackle the subject’s underachievement.
By introducing interactive methods like Canva slides, Kahoot, and other tailored learning interventions, she has sparked greater enthusiasm in her students.
This has resulted in the students becoming more enthusiastic in class, Vanny observed.
“They have become more engaged since we introduced fun learning,” she said.
“I encourage my students not to fear making mistakes but to learn from them and ask questions confidently. This has fostered an approachable atmosphere that strengthens our teacher-student relationships.”
Students attending an extra class at SMK Penrissen.
Beyond academics, Vanny launched a student leadership initiative to nurture skills essential for personal growth.
“I’ve seen tremendous growth in the five students involved, particularly in their leadership and character. They’ve taken the initiative to plan and lead peer-to-peer workshops, demonstrating their dedication,” she said.
Some of the tools Vanny uses to teach Mathematics in a fun way.Her aspirations extend to empowering students with resilience, confidence, and spiritual strength.
“I want my students to see education as a tool for shaping their futures and to carry these core values beyond the classroom,” she added.
As an Iban, Vanny is driven to be a role model for youths in her community.
“I can relate with most of my students who are trying to break through in life, and I hope to inspire long-term change in how education is perceived and its role in improving lives,” she said.
Similarly, Izzat’s path to SMK Penrissen began in 2023 when he joined the TFM Fellowship, bringing with him experience as a teacher and idea design manager at Sabah’s Alternative School of Borneo Komrad, where he advocated for stateless children’s education.
“With my background, I wanted to deepen my understanding of Malaysia’s education system through TFM,” Izzat explained.
Izzat (second left) and Vanny (third left) recording a creative unity video with SMK Penrissen students.
At SMK Penrissen, Izzat’s role mirrors that of a regular teacher but with a focus on leadership development for both students and among other teachers.
He also leads community projects aimed at inspiring students to envision brighter futures.
“I want students to understand that their future isn’t limited by academic achievements alone,” Izzat said.
“Everyone has strengths and capabilities. My goal is to instill responsibility and hope, encouraging them to work toward their dreams.”
Vanny (standing) with the students in her leadership initiative at SMK Penrissen.
His efforts have already begun to bear fruit, as students show greater interest in higher education and start dreaming bigger.
“This newfound hope is a positive sign,” Izzat noted.
