KUCHING -Schools which are underperforming could see graduates from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus lending a hand to help raise the learning abilities of students.
This could soon become a reality with the setting up of the Teach for Malaysia (TFM) student chapter at the university, recently.
Called TFM Society Swinburne, it was launched by the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Swinburne Sarawak, Professor Anthony Cahalan.
According to Swinburne Sarawak student Cassandra Ong, the founder of the chapter, TFM Society Swinburne will be working to create a better presence for TFM in Kuching by reaching out to the university community.
Based in Kuala Lumpur, TFM is an independent, not-for-profit organisation with a mission to end education inequity in the country. It seeks to recruit graduates who are passionate about making a lasting impact in the lives of students in underperforming schools.
“We hope that the establishment of this society in Kuching will help us to find people who are equally passionate in making a change for the children of Malaysia, who will one day define Malaysia and be its future leaders,” Ong said.
“It (TFM) sends Malaysia’s brightest young talents to teach in underperforming schools all across the country with the motto that one day, all Malaysian children will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.”
The selected graduates, known as Fellows, will be placed in high-need schools for two years, working to increase achievement, affect and access for their students and to affect positive, sustainable change (educational quality) within the communities they serve.
The TFM Fellowship is a two-year, full time and fully paid leadership development program. After two years Fellows become part of the TFM alumni movement, working to make systemic, long term changes in the battle against education inequity.
“Application for the 2015 Fellowship programme is now open. Students in their final year are encouraged to apply because it is a great opportunity to be a part of something that is bigger than themselves,” said Ong, adding that other students could also apply to be a Campus Leader who acts as a student ambassador for the organisation.