‘Superhero Teacher’ looking for volunteers
KOTA KINABALU: Malaysians who are moved by the inspiring story of a teacher that carried a refrigerator for 10km on foot to a remote school are encouraged to join him on another arduous task.
JCI Kota Kinabalu, a non-governmental organisation, has donated more than 20 mattresses and hostel items for the school’s pupils. But there is one major obstacle – transporting the items to the school.
“SK Longkogungon is only accessible by foot,” said the 39-year-old Science teacher, Harry Bikal, who is also the school’s senior assistant for administration.
“That’s why I have decided to ask volunteers to help me. They must be physically fit to help with this arduous task,” he said.
Bikal said the items would benefit 11 pupils, seven teachers and the school clerk.
He warned that the trek was difficult.
“The journey cuts through a jungle over rough terrain and volunteers have to cross a river and climb hills.
“So you must be really fit,” he said.
Bikal has set up a WhatsApp group under the name “Programme Charity Hike 2020” and the response has been good.
“Many have expressed their intention to join the charity hike but I told them that they have to personally message me if they are really serious because it is not going to be an easy hike,” he said.
He said those who wished to donate more items to the school were welcome to do so.
A few months back, his efforts to bring heavy items, including a fridge for the hostel on foot, were shared by a fellow teacher, who accompanied him.
“I have been teaching in this school for four years. These are just small gestures on my part to make things better for the pupils and the teachers there,” he said.
Bikal was awarded the “Superhero Teacher” title in the recent state-level Teacher’s Day celebration.
Besides being a teacher, he is also a registered member of the territorial army regiment.