The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2022 (Vol.144)

2022 • 12 12 pecial Feature By Tang Choon Chow Translated by Lim Wen-Xin Photo by Teng Pick Cheang Ignite the motivation to learn I am not perfect, neither were my grades. Hence, I can empathize with children who are not academically strong. 1 p.m. sharp. In a quiet living room, Teacher Ow Kin Mai turned on her laptop, ready for an online reading session with student, Nurul Hajah Qhaisara binti Mohamad Efandy. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Kin Mai decided to quit her 30-year job to spend more time with her family. One day, when she was browsing through Facebook, an advertisement caught her eye. Tzu Chi was recruiting tuition teachers for its “i ∙ didik” programme. Kin Mai, who grew up in Kelantan, did not do well in school. In secondary school, she met a tuition teacher who taught her Malay language one-on-one. She relearnt suku kata (syllables), which helped her a lot. Her two sons were also slow-learners who had difficulties retaining what had been taught. Kin Mai then used the bedtime storytelling sessions to explore the Peter & Jane series with the kids. Now, her daughter and two sons are all attending university. She firmly believes that as long as one has a solid foundation, learning can progress. Virtual companionship boosts confidence Teacher Ow is in charge of tutoring three