Rotary Club launches English Corner at SMK Benoni to promote literacy and lifelong learning
PAPAR (July 26): In a collaborative effort to enhance English literacy among students, the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl officially launched the SMK Benoni English Corner on Friday, marking another milestone under its flagship initiative — Project REAL (Rural-Focused English for All).
The launch was graced by Club President Datin Dr Jeanette Tambakau, who commended SMK Benoni principal Tuan Haji Ikhbal Khan for his visionary initiative in establishing the English Corner.
'Setting up the English Corner is truly an inspired idea from Ikhbal. We applaud his commitment to cultivating the reading habit and improving English proficiency among students,' said Jeanette.
To support the initiative, the Club donated over 500 English storybooks and 350 bilingual dictionaries — a gesture of appreciation to Ikhbal for his past contributions to Project REAL during his tenure as deputy director of the Language Unit in the Sabah State Education Department.
While Project REAL initially targeted primary schools in rural areas, the Club is excited to see the concept extended to secondary schools. 'Learning, developing and mastering a language is a lifelong journey. We're encouraged by SMK Benoni's proactive approach in continuing this process beyond the primary level,' she added.
A heartfelt tribute was paid to Project Chair Rotarian Tulip Zaimi Noorazyze bt Abdul Rahim, who has led the expansion of Project REAL across Sabah with unwavering dedication. 'Tulip has been the heartbeat of this programme—coordinating visits, distributing materials, and working closely with education offices. Her leadership has made a profound impact,' said Jeanette.
Tulip is supported by a dedicated REAL Team, comprising Vice President Datuk Eliza Goh, Immediate Past President Hajah Chendramata Hj Sinteh, Datin Phyllis Lo, Caroline Paxton, Dr Julia Ongkili, Datin Rocy Chong and Soo Yuen Mee.
'These ladies have brought their unique strengths to the table and transformed Project REAL into a force for meaningful change in our school communities. We thank them for their service above self,' she added.
Founded in 2016 by Datuk Noni Said, Project REAL has grown significantly with the support of the Sabah State Education Department. In just nine years, it has reached 51 schools across 14 districts, including Kota Belud, Papar, Kiulu, Inanam, Tuaran, Kota Marudu, Sipitang, Pitas, Kudat, Tenom, Kuala Penyu, Keningau, Ranau and Beaufort.
In addition to English Corners, the program also organises inter-school competitions in poem writing, speech and storytelling, as well as Teachers' Training Workshops to strengthen teaching capacity. SMK Benoni was also invited to consider hosting future activities under the programme.
'Our goal is to empower children with the English language, opening up a vast ocean of knowledge and future opportunities. Reading is one of the most effective ways to master a language — and it's a habit worth nurturing early,' said Jeanette.
She concluded her remarks by encouraging students to make full use of the English Corner: 'Dream big, study hard, and be curious. Let this English Corner be your gateway to a brighter tomorrow.'
The Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl, now in its 10th year, remains steadfast in its mission to support literacy, youth development, and educational advancement across Sabah.
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