Latest news with #EnglishCorner
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Rotary Club launches English Corner at SMK Benoni to promote literacy and lifelong learning
From left to right: Datin Phyllis Lo, Soo Yuen Mee, Datuk Eliza Goh, Tulip Noorazyze, Tuan Hi Ikhbal Khan Ismail, Datin Dr Jeanette Tambakau, Chendramata Sinteh, Datin Rocy Chong, Caroline Paxton and Dr Julia Ongkili at the English Corner. 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.
Daily Express
25-06-2025
- General
- Daily Express
English project for three more Pitas schools: Rotary
Published on: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 25, 2025 By: Wu Vui Tek Text Size: Launch of Project Real in three rural schools in Pitas through the joint efforts of RCKK Pearl, LDS Charities and the Sabah State Education Department. PITAS: The Rural Focused English for All (Project Real) has been extended to three more rural schools in Pitas – SK Rosob, SK Bangkau Bangkau and SK Bawing – through the efforts of the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl (RCKK Pearl). The initiative is a collaboration with the Sabah State Education Department and is sponsored by LDS Charities, the humanitarian arm of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Malaysia. The launch at SK Rosob expands Project Real to five schools in Pitas, from two in 2019 supported by the Australian High Commission in Malaysia. Senior Assistant Director of the Language Unit at the department, Nancy @ Aminah Idrus, welcomed the partnership with RCKK Pearl, saying that together they can help build confidence and improve the language skills of rural students. Elder Larry Hathaway of LDS Charities said improving English proficiency in rural communities opens doors to greater opportunities in education, careers and life. SK Bangkau Bangkau headmistress Ruhanah Omboyou expressed her appreciation to RCKK Pearl for bringing Project Real to her school. Advertisement She said students are excited to explore the English Corner, and teachers are eager to improve their own English proficiency. SK Rosob headmaster Saidi Alliudin said the programme has created a supportive environment that encourages pupils to speak, read and grow in English with confidence. At SK Bawing, headmaster Abd Khar @ Ramlie Akal described the project as a significant step towards nurturing a reading culture and laying the foundation for lifelong learning. RCKK Pearl Vice President Adelina Adna said the aim of the programme is to open doors not just to books but to possibilities. 'We are grateful to the department and LDS Charities for making this possible. With their support, we can continue planting seeds of learning where they are most needed,' she said. Each of the three schools received between 430 and 650 English books, along with English Malay dictionaries for every Primary 4 to 6 student, based on enrolment size. At SK Rosob, 650 books and 340 dictionaries were distributed for 331 pupils. SK Bangkau Bangkau received 520 books and 110 dictionaries for its 106 pupils. SK Bawing received 430 books and 60 dictionaries for its 56 pupils. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
