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Sepang, 22nd July 2016 – Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) together with its subsidiary, ERL Maintenance Support Sdn Bhd (E-MAS) continues their commitment with YTL Foundation to take on another Frog Classroom Makeover Project. This time, SMK Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, Sepang was selected to receive the makeover transformation and the project is even more meaningful as the classroom caters to students with special needs and learning disabilities.
The unveiling of the Frog Classroom was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Education II, YB Senator Chong Sin Woon. Also present at the unveiling ceremony were Chief Executive Officer of ERL, Noormah Mohd Noor and Programme Director of YTL Foundation, YBhg. Datin Kathleen Chew.
In his speech, YB Senator Chong said students with special needs and learning disabilities are given more importance in the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025. Under the Blueprint, the Education Ministry is offering three options under the National Special Needs Education system specifically for those with hearing, visual or learning disabilities.
The three options are:
YB Senator also mentioned that schools offering the special needs programme are also faced with some challenges. Among them is inadequate learning space and facilities that are conducive to these students. The Frog Classroom for the special needs students should be able to provide the required space that is much needed to these students. The classroom also complements the use of the Frog Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), an online teaching and learning platform under the 1BestariNet project.
“Teachers and students using the Frog Classroom will have an enhanced experience which will help stimulate their minds and boost their spirits during the lessons. Students are also able to enjoy a greater personalized education process through the use of ICT, making them more independent to source for knowledge.”
“I am encouraged to see organizations like ERL & E-MAS involved in this type of CSR programme. We hope to see more corporate sectors participating and collaborating with YTL Foundation in this noble cause.”
Meanwhile, Noormah in her speech said, “We continued our commitment in giving back to the local community and this is our second year collaborating with YTL Foundation on the Frog Classroom Makeover. I am glad that we are able to provide the first Frog Classroom that caters to the need of students with special needs and learning disabilities.”
The classroom comes with ramps for wheelchair access and positive messages on the soft board to encourage and remind students that they are capable of great things. There are yoga mats and a gym ball to allow students to take a break and exercise. A mini “foosball table” is also added in the classroom to encourage the students to enhance their motor skills while having fun in the classroom.
“I believe the classroom will provide a conducive, fun and interactive learning environment for both teachers and students to achieve more with collaborative learning. These children are the future generation that will shape the country and this classroom will help stimulate the creativity needed to drive them positively in the right direction.”
This year, a total of 20 staff from ERL and E-MAS volunteered for the makeover project. The volunteers were responsible for clearing and cleaning the classroom, wiring, painting, installation of desks and chairs as well as artwork doodling and decorating the Frog Classroom. Renovation work on the classroom began on 21st May and was completed on 3rd June 2016.
The Frog Classroom makeover programme was initiated by YTL Foundation in 2014 and the Frog Classroom with its iconic blue Frog door has slowly become more recognizable in the Malaysian education landscape. YTL Foundation is targeting to complete 1,000 Frog Classrooms nationwide and have completed over 50 classrooms. Another 85 Frog Classrooms are expected to be completed by the end of August 2016.
