Mukhriz gets helping hand from dad's crony Vincent Tan to set up English learning centre

JERLUN - UNTIL two years ago, Frecklis Mabuangan, 20, from Paitan, a remote settlement in Beluran, Sabah, did not speak a word of English.

But, thanks to the English Community Programme, organised by Science of Life Studies and Better Malaysia Foundation (SOLS-BMF), Frecklis has learnt the language and is now helping others to learn it as well.

During the past month, Frecklis volunteered to help 120 schoolchildren and villagers in Ayer Hitam who are learning basic English for communication at the Community Education Centre at Padang Sera, here.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir launched the centre and programme recently. He thanked SOLS and BMF for helping the community improve their English proficiency.

In the three-month programme, organised by SOLS 24/7 and sponsored by tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan's BMF, Frecklis and other volunteers from many parts of the globe provide free English lessons to participants, aged between 7 and 77 daily, from 10.30am to 10.30pm.

"Housewives have their class in the morning, secondary students in the afternoon, adults in the evening and primary schoolchildren at night.

"Although we have to work around the clock, we feel satisfied upon seeing the participants improve their English proficiency day by day. I remember how thrilled I was when I could finally understand and was able to converse in simple English.

"Since then, I have been determined to help others, especially the underprivileged, to master the language which is a window to the world," he said.

Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir (seated second from left) and Tan Sri Vincent Tan (left) having a chat with Millie Brow. Pix by Sharul Hafiz Zam

The Community Education Centre in Padang Sera was the 25th set up nationwide to provide opportunities for the underprivileged to improve their English language skill and acquire other living skills.

Tan said he was compelled to support the programme as he was impressed by SOLS' commitment and achievement in providing education and social services not just in Malaysia but also abroad.

He stressed that proficiency in English language was important as it was the global lingua franca.

"I am glad that Mukhriz shares the same concern in helping our people to be proficient in English. It is his vision and far-sightedness that has led SOLS to set up this community centre. I am certain that the community in Ayer Hitam will have much to gain from the effort."

One of the volunteer community development officers, Millie Brown of London, United Kingdom, said she was excited to see the progress made by her students after just a month.

"At first they were lacking in self-confidence but after a couple of weeks I can see the improvement and they were eager to participate in class activities.

"Although we have to start from scratch with many of the participants, they are now comfortable to communicate in simple English," she said.

Brown said SOLS 24/7 wanted to recruit more volunteers and open more centres.

Siti Rupawan Awang, a 46-year-old housewife from Megat Dewa, said the programme was eye an opener for the villagers.

She said she was aware of the importance of English, but could not afford to pay for an English course. - NST