KUALA LUMPUR – In a heartwarming display of dedication and community spirit, the Program Tuisyen Rahoma, a volunteer tutoring initiative, successfully concluded its latest edition. Aimed at bolstering the academic performance of primary and secondary students from the Pertubuhan Rahoma Darul Fakir Malaysia, it was a testament to the power of collaboration between university students and local communities. Held every Wednesday for ten weeks from April 24th 2024 to July 3rd 2024 and running from 8:00pm to 9:30pm, it brought together volunteers and young learners in a shared pursuit of knowledge. The program organized by the dedicated student committee from the Jawatankuasa Mahasiswa Pelajar Luar Kampus (JKM PLK) club at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Kuala Lumpur demonstrated the university’s unwavering commitment to community service. Under the guidance of Dr. Mohamad Azlan Suhot, who served as the Patron and with the invaluable assistance of Muhamad Sharifuddin Abd Rahim as Program Coordinator, the initiative not only provided academic support but also fostered teaching skills and a sense of social responsibility among the student volunteers.
The Genesis of a Community Initiative
Program Tuisyen Rahoma was planned with several objectives in mind including: 1) To provide social support and a thirst for learning for students who are in need of a positive educational environment; 2) To fulfil UTM’s mission in prospering lives through knowledge; 3) To contribute to three sustainable development goals (Quality Education, Gender Education and Sustainable Cities and Communities). Pertubuhan Rahoma Darul Fakir Malaysia, just a five-minute walk from Residensi UTMKL, serves as a haven for children from vulnerable families and was the perfect setting for this initiative. Over the course of ten weeks, the small court of Pertubuhan Rahoma transformed into a bustling center of learning and mentorship.
Mobilizing a Community of Volunteers
Before the first tutoring session, Vaarshini Sarawanan, who was tasked with Multimedia and Publicity, spread word of the event to look for volunteers. Her efforts bore fruit as a diverse group of students from varying faculties of the campus stepped forward to participate. Each week, the JKM PLK committee meticulously organized the volunteers, ensuring that each group of students was paired with tutors who could address their specific educational needs. The volunteers displayed immense flexibility and commitment, with some even opting to walk to the venue, while others from the Kolej Siswa Jaya (KSJ) were provided transportation by En. Firdaus or Sharifuddin.
The program was structured to accommodate the varied learning levels of the students. Upon arrival, the students were divided into groups based on their learning grades. This thoughtful arrangement allowed tutors to provide targeted instruction in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. The committee, with its eye on educational effectiveness, carefully selected and printed worksheets from reputable educational websites like k5learning.com, ensuring that the material was both engaging and relevant to the group’s learning degree.
A Journey of Growth and Learning
Throughout the ten-week period, the commitment of both tutors and students was remarkable. Tutors reported that many of their students made significant strides in their English language skills, a crucial area of focus for the program. These improvements were a direct result of the personalized attention and consistent support provided by the committee and volunteers respectively. Each session was designed to build upon the last, with tutors revisiting concepts and correcting mistakes, thereby reinforcing learning in a structured and supportive environment. The success of the program was not just measured by academic improvement but also by the amiable bonds formed between the tutors and their students. As the final session approached, there was a sense of achievement mingled with a touch of sadness. On July 3rd, the last day of the program, the students expressed their gratitude and shared their hopes for the program’s continuation in the coming year. For many, the end of the program was not just the conclusion of a learning journey but the temporary pause of positive mentorship with their tutors.
A Legacy of Impact
This year’s program underscored the enduring value of such initiatives, not only in improving academic outcomes but in fostering a culture of volunteerism and mutual support within the university community. The allowance of RM15 per session, awarded to volunteers who attended a minimum of five sessions, was a modest but meaningful token of appreciation for their time and effort. As the Program Tuisyen Rahoma concluded, a sense of fulfillment was shared by all who were involved. The students, some of whom had shown remarkable improvement, were eager to participate again next year. The volunteers, having experienced the joys and challenges of teaching, left with a deeper understanding of the impact they could make in their community.
The Program Tuisyen Rahoma stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose. As preparations for JKM PLK’s other programs begin, the aftermaths of this event will undoubtedly inspire more students to volunteer and continue this tradition of educational empowerment and community service.
