Rocking Ramadhan at SMA Rompin and the Access School

It was lovely drive along the sparsely populated coastline of the East Coast from Kuantan to Rompin during the tail end of Ramadhan. I was on a journey SMA Rompin, it’s the home of the US Embassy KL’s English Access Microscholarship School. It is nestled in a small sleepy seaside community in Pahang. This is the last of 3 still in operation in Malaysia. The other two were located in Sabah and KL and had drawn to completion. The two year program involves economically challenged Muslim students who start the program at age 13-14. It requires real dedication from the students who have to participate in the 2 year program after school and sometimes on the weekend. It is an intensive English program with a touch of US culture to enhance good cultural relations between the US and Malaysia.  SMA Rompin has 20 boys and 20 girls participating in the Access School. Upon successful completion, it can lead to placement in exchange programs in the US. Please see link for more details. https://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/EnglishAccess

I was there to support not just the Access School students, but the entire student population of Form 1-5 students. Ramadhan is a holy month observed by all Malays. Malays often practice their second language of Arabic during this month. Typically schools shun training and minimise the use of English during this month. However, I came with an agenda to integrate English during this blessed month. By interlacing a few Ramadan theme activities, students got a chance to practice their English while maintaining their focus on the holy month. This approach is culturally engineered to use the target language of English in a cross-culturally appropriate manner. 

I arrived just before sunset to make in time for buka puasa (breakfast) with the students at sundown. The students were surprise to see me, but were very welcoming. So much so, they requested I give a talk after sunset. The GB arrived for the final prayers of the night (Ishaa & Terawih). After being graciously greeted by him, he requested that I give another talk to the students. It was their second talk of English for the night. The English Ramadhan surge had begun. Afterwards, a connection was forged between and the students that only grew stronger.

The next morning I addressed the entire student population which is in the ballpark of 350 plus students. My objective was  engaging and inspiring students & teachers to use English. SMA Rompin will be using an integrated cross-curricular approach to attract the students. Ramadan and 4th of July will be the main themes from which many language activities with the emphasis on speaking will emerge from. The teachers and students will benefited from a 3 day dose of English during Ramadhan, which is traditionally dominated by activities and programs in BM and Arabic. This is the first time they have ever accepted training during the month Ramadhan. This is a major shift in SOP of the school and a big win and making English more practical and relevant. 

The next morning a group of 40 Secondary English teachers gathered for a daylong Inspirational English workshop focused on upskilling. I was fortunate to meet a great group of teachers who were fasting with great attitudes. One session we focused on the importance of teachers as well as we covered some practical writing activities. Interlaced throughout the training, I showed a few short humorous videos about Ramadhan. It struck a nice balance between training and entertaining during the holy month.

In the evening, I chillaxed with the students. We broke fast together and practiced their in English in an informal setting. There was lots of socialising and laughs. After terawih prayers, all the students gathered for movie night. We viewed “Koran By Heart” together. A documentary that follows 3 youngsters from different parts of the world for an International Quran competition in Egypt. It was big hit with all the hostel students.

The following morning I met with all the Form 1-3 students the schools large activity hall. It was time to put in English in action. Nasyids are traditional songs often sung in BM or Arabic. Using English medium nasyids is a great way to bring English alive in this favourite local pastime. Even though the kids were fasting, they didn't seem to mind belting out all the tunes. Later, I met with Form 4-5 students for a writing lab. The writing lab was much needed to prepare students for upcoming standardised testing and well received. 

Finally, I met with the Access School students exclusively. 40 bright and eager youngsters who are led by the energetic Teacher Yati.  The 4th of July was the cultural highlight. By examining both countries’ flags, it was a springboard for many similarities between the 2 countries history. It led into a discussion of America’s and Malaysia’s passion for fireworks. This introduced the timely and much needed discussion on firework safety. This is especially important and cross culturally relevant to the upcoming Raya holiday where fireworks are also enjoyed. This short safety segment is aimed at mitigating some of the avoidable hazards of fireworks. Next, we watched a brief video on Ramadhan in America.  The short segment and discussion on Ramadhan in America helped strengthen the students’ understanding and attitudes towards the US.  Raya Cards were a crafty way for students to show off their English writing skills in a festive manner. It was an economical gift they could share with parents. It was a means to make their parents proud and showcasing their improving English skills. At the end of the day, the theme of harmony was prevalent and lasting.

Overall the event had a positive impact on cementing relationships between Malaysia and the US. Moreover, when I asked one of the Access School's teachers what did they take away from the teacher training workshop, the reply was fulfilling. Teacher Shila reported, “I learned how important I am.” Also Ustaz Iza commented he has seen many guests come to SMAR, but he has never seen the students so keen interact as with my visit. It was only 3 days I spent at SMAR, but the fond & fun memories will endure a life time.