A Christmas inspiration

Meet Shawn Stanly, a dedicated teacher in Sekolah Kebangsaan RPS Banun about an hour away from the town of Grik in Perak. I've been tracking him since his University days in Sabah where he had joined a programme known as Teach for Malaysia. Shawn stands out as an exceptionally creative individual, a quality of immense value in the field of education. Over the past three years, he has been imparting knowledge, inspiration and imagination to the school children, all of whom belonging to the Orang Asli community—individuals who have limited exposure to the outside world beyond what they see on social media, in films, on television or from magazines.

Recognising the lack of real-world experiences for his pupils, Shawn took innovative steps to bridge the gap. Some time ago, he constructed a flight simulator in the classroom to provide his pupils with the exhilarating sensation of taking flights to distant lands. By simulating the interior of an airplane, he enabled the boys and girls to embark on imaginary journeys around the world, fostering a sense of wonder and exploration. This project eventually reached the attention of the online news portal, Free Malaysia Today, which featured Shawn in a video news report.

Recently, Shawn went above and beyond by introducing the joy of Christmas to his pupils. Aware that many had never experienced this festive season, he gathered materials from the town and, with the active participation of the boys and girls, crafted a makeshift Christmas tree. The end result was nothing short of amazing, showcasing Shawn's ability to bring the spirit of Christmas into the lives of these young individuals. (Watch the video below.)

It's worth noting that Shawn, a former Head Boy at Penang Free School in 2016, has not only made his alma mater proud but also demonstrated his commitment to education and the impactful imparting of knowledge. As I extend warm wishes for a Merry Christmas, I also acknowledge Shawn's ongoing contributions to the lives of those he touches. Wherever his teaching profession takes him in the future, I am confident he will continue to bring joy and inspiration to his pupils. Merry Christmas, again!

Shawn's Christmas tree