While waiting for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia national examination results earlier this year, Jessy Caroline Lausin wasted no time preparing to fulfil her ambition of becoming a teacher.
The 18-year-old from the village of Kampung Lokub in Sabah spent several months as a volunteer tutor, helping primary school students from her rural community.
Jessy owes the volunteering opportunity – and the initial step toward becoming an educator – to RYTHM Foundation’s first Community Adoption Programme (CAP) in the remote Kiulu sub-district.
The three-year project, launched in 2021 in collaboration with the NGO Good Shepherd Services, primarily focuses on academic support for primary school students, personal and entrepreneurial skills development for youth, and micro-enterprise training for women. The educational element includes coaching volunteers like Jessy to tutor children.
These initiatives are also underway in two other villages in Kiulu, Kampung Ratau and Kampung Talantang.
Also read: Community Adoption Programme Beneficiaries in Sabah Show Remarkable Improvement and Growth
Jessy’s unwavering dedication to education and active involvement in her community is indisputable.
“I am focused on becoming a teacher,” she states, “because I believe in the power of education to transform lives and build stronger communities.”
Her resolve to embark on the education path stems from her passion for imparting knowledge to the younger generation. “I believe that the role of an educator is not just about teaching but igniting the flames of curiosity in young minds,” she says.
“My journey to becoming a teacher is one of self-discovery and empowerment – both for me and the children I teach.”
Jessy gathered valuable insights tutoring seven- to 12-year-olds. Patience is a fundamental pillar in her approach to managing a wide range of student behaviours. “It is the key to unlocking the potential of every student, no matter how unique their characteristics may be.”
The cheerful Jessy is driven by these unique qualities and customises her approach with each student. “This method has helped me fine-tune my communication skills and capture my students’ attention. This has proven indispensable, particularly for those children who are shy or reserved,” she explains.
Reflecting on her journey, Jessy shares her heartfelt gratitude for her time in the classroom, “The growth of the students fuels my dedication, and I consider it an honour to be a part of their educational journey. I’m also thankful to RYTHM Foundation and Good Shepherd Services for giving me the opportunity to impact these young lives.”
In a world where young individuals like Jessy actively embrace the role of change-makers, her journey highlights the profound impact a single person can have on a community. Her experience also exemplifies the enduring potential of education to transform lives and fortify the bonds within communities.