In a world where education is a fundamental right, and educators are the guiding lights, there exists a retired Malaysian lecturer who is rewriting the narrative of retirement.
His story is one of selflessness and a deep commitment to giving back to society, all while spreading the gift of knowledge.
Photo via Sin Chew Daily
Meet Lee, who entered retirement in 2014 but embarked on a remarkable journey in 2016—one that would change the lives of countless primary school students in rural areas. Lee began offering free English workshops to these young minds, with a simple yet profound goal: to inspire them to speak English with confidence and to make their learning journey easier.
Lee's dedication has taken him to over 100 schools, a testament to his unwavering commitment to education. Despite the challenges he faced initially, such as schools being skeptical of his intentions, Lee persevered. Many institutions were hesitant to accept his offer, believing it was too good to be true. However, it was Lee's persistent dedication that eventually convinced school authorities to allow him to conduct his free two-day English workshops.
Remarkably, Lee doesn't seek financial gain from his noble endeavor. His only request is a place to stay while he works at the schools, emphasizing that his true reward lies in the progress of the students. Rather than accepting money, Lee contributes to the schools financially, hoping that his support can lead to facility upgrades that benefit the entire student body.
Photo via Sin Chew Daily
Lee's profound satisfaction comes from witnessing the transformation of young minds. He finds immense joy in seeing students open up and embrace the English language with newfound confidence after his workshops. For Lee, this is the ultimate reward—a reward that can't be measured in monetary terms but in the smiles and growth of the children he touches.
His dedication is not just admirable; it serves as an inspiring example of the power of education and the selflessness of a passionate educator. In a phase of life when many choose to rest and relax, Lee continues to give back, imparting knowledge and fostering a love for learning in the hearts of the next generation.
Lee's story prompts us all to reflect on our own capacity to make a positive impact and, perhaps, to consider following in his footsteps on the noble path of education.
