M'sian dropout is among best teachers in the world
Published on: Saturday, March 21, 2015
Selangor: Madenjit Singh failed the Malaysian Certificate of Education (MCE) twice before dropping out of school. He is now one of the top 10 teacher in the world.Only later in life did the Malacca-born realise the importance of education. With that in mind, he decided to absorb to become a teacher to the poor.ADVERTISEMENT Through sheer determination, the now 57-year-old teacher has become the first ever Malaysian to be in the top 10 list for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize.Picking up the pieces from his previous shortcomings, Madenjit devised a programme that simplified subjects.By using this programme, he was able to teach almost any student of any age, how to read, write, speak and understand basic English in three to six months. This was just the start as together with his two sons, Madenjit – who is now based in Timor Leste – founded and established SOLS 24/7 (Scinence to Life Studies 24/7), a free two-year training and boarding programme that provides life skills for disadvantaged youths.Under SOLS 24/7, the establishment has 185 schools in five countries, educating 15,000 underprivileged students.ADVERTISEMENT Subjects taught are English, computer skills, accountancy and leadership among others.The students are taught to be global citizens by learning about all major religions, as well as communicating with different people from different cultures around the world.
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In fact, graduates are even encouraged to teach in outher countries under SOLS 24/7. They do this whilst at the same time continuing their education in advanced management.Although Madenjit did not win the prize, he and his organisation continue to be pioneers in the field of education by helping and educating the less fortunate.To this day, he continues to teach on a daily basis. The Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize is held annually and carries a US$1 MILLION (RM3.7 million) award.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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This year, the top 10 finalists were chosen from over 5,000 nominations and 1,300 final applications from 127 countries.The eventual winner, which was announced in Dubai yesterday, was Nancie Atwell, an English language teacher from the United States.