TEACHER UP FOR AWARDS
Sirhajwan nominated in 2 categories
“WITH courage and perseverance, nothing is impossible,” said 30-year-old Sirhajwan Idek. The teacher at Keningau Vocational College has been nominated in two categories for the International Global Educational Supplies and Solutions (GESS) Education Awards on Feb 28.
Sirhajwan said his nomination had helped boost the confidence of his colleagues in enhancing their capabilities.
The awards will be held in Dubai.
“The first award is the Community Award for Citizenship, which recognises my contribution to education in the community via the ‘Wonder Zone’ programme.
“Under this programme, my students executed projects related to health, literacy, hygiene, technology and environment for pupils,” he said, adding that there were eight finalists from all over the world for the award.
As for the second award, Sirhajwan said, he was among 11 finalists nominated for the Outstanding Contribution in Education award for his performance as a teacher at his vocational college.
“I managed to help students win the English, Innovation and Entrepreneurship contests, which are meaningful for those from the rural areas.
“I also helped in the career development of educators through courses, research and information sharing.”
Born in Kota Belud, Sirhajwan said he received an email notification about the two nominations on Jan 18.
“I was very happy as the selection criteria is competitive.
“It is difficult to believe that I got two nominations,” he said.
He hopes other teachers would be inspired to be creative.
“I participate in national and international awards as I have been training and managing students for competitions and they have inspired me to contest at higher levels.
“It makes me more confident and optimistic in my career.”
Sirhajwan is the only Malaysian nominated.
Prior to this, Sirhajwan said he had won three international contests and other achievements.
“I emerged champion in International Innovation and Entrepreneurship Excellence in Teaching Award in Paris on Sept 22 last year.
“I won the Global Express Publishing IATEFL Scholarship 2017 for presenting a project at Brighton, United Kingdom as well as a Global Macmillan Teachers at my Heart award after attending a two-week course at Norwich United Kingdom in 2016.
“Besides, I was listed as one of the 50 finalists for the Global Teacher Prize 2017 held at Dubai in March last year and got the 2017 Teacher Icon Award at national, state and district levels,” said Sirhajwan who is pursuing a doctorate at Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam.