Teacher Feature: MAIEZATUL BINTI DAUD @ SK CHENOR

Today during English Language Proficiency, I spoke with Mai at SK Chenor, which was severely affected by this year's flooding.

TELL2 Participant, Maiezatul Bt. Daud

What damages did the school sustain? 

The waters reached 3 meters at their worst. The furniture in the preschool was completely destroyed as were all of the materials and children's work that had been left there at the end of the year. The lining in the sura was ruined. The field sustained damage since it was under water for well over two weeks.  All of the flowers and plants around the grounds died.

How have you and the school been affected by the floods, in particular with regard to the start of the school year? 

Schools across Malaysia all delayed opening but staff weren't even able to access the school for cleaning purposes until the end of the first week of January so it was difficult to prepare. On the first day of opening the PPD visited, and expected schedules to be working as normal. Mai prepared a PP presentation for her Year 2 English to prepare them for the year ahead.

Volunteers helped paint the school & work begins next month on an English Language Space donated by TELL2!

How have the students been affected?

The children were a little forgetful and distracted but in good spirits.

How long will it take the school to return to normal?

It is functioning as normal in terms of timetables, classes and teachers but needs some work in terms of appearance .

I see that the volunteers have done a wonderful job repainting the front of the school. Despite this many of the classrooms are conspicuously lacking the posters are props which had been here previously. How can we enrich the classroom?

I saved most of the teaching aids and props which i used-storing them upstairs in anticipation of the flood. Nonetheless at the moment the classrooms need to be repainted and put back to where they were before. It maybe an opportunity to try to create an interactive classroom display as we did at the last CPD. I also want to showcase the achievements of TELL on a display board.  The school environment is very important to encourage learning.

Looking ahead to the year what English events are you looking forward to?

PAL reading day seems like a great idea. Especially because it will give level2 students the chance to see the TELL mentor.

Another of our focuses will be on English proficiency this year? Do you feel that the TELL program has benefited your confidence and expressive language ability? Can you give me an example of this?

Of course. Previously I was very shy, but now I am very happy and comfortable to speak English around you. Although I’m still nervous when speaking English!

The Pra Sekolah at SK Chenor was completely destroyed, the new students have their lessons on the floor.

Many Thanks to Mai for taking the time to respond. On behalf of everyone at SK Chenor we thank all of the volunteers who’s efforts have enabled the school to reopen so quickly.  And look forward to work starting on our English Language Space next month!

Tom James, Chenor