Malaysian Teacher Carries 40kg Fridge Through Sabah Jungle For His Students
In Singapore, we have the Caring Teacher Awards for teachers who go the extra mile for “the holistic development of their students”.
This Malaysian teacher, Mr Harry Yanto Bikal, could definitely win an honorary award for the lengths he goes for his students.
Mr Harry, who teaches in a school in Sabah, Malaysia, carried a heavy fridge while trekking through a jungle. The fridge was meant for his students’ hostel.
His selfless act, captured on 11 Feb, has since gone viral on Facebook.
Here’s the heartfelt post’s translation:
May God bless your life Teacher Harry. Your service as a devoted teacher in the rural areas is very touching.
You walked for 7 to 8 hours with a weight on your shoulders. You are worth more than millions of ringgit to the children you teach at the rural Sekolah Kebangsaan Longkugongon Penampang (national school).
“Teacher leads Longkugongon”
The service of a teacher… we can never repay it fully.. Thank you Teacher.
Thank you GB Mr Ken.. Teacher Harry and the members of SK and the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA). I will see the results of our mentors and mentees. Pray for me to be able to capture the beauty of SK Longkugongon… Public Sector Conducive Ecosystem, Village Stay, Village Hostel, Eco Science Park.. Interesting classes, a comfortable staff room, a helpful (PTA)… Thank you teachers, we love you all.
Carried 40kg fridge through the jungle
This emotional and heartfelt tribute was not unwarranted.
It was posted after Mr Harry had carried a 40kg fridge on his back as he trekked through a dense forest to the rural school. His friend accompanied on his journey and helped him.
SK Longkugongon was said to be located inland and the only way to get there was by foot, reported Harian Metro. One would have to cut through hilly jungles and some rivers before reaching the school.
Thus, the weight of the fridge was not the only challenge for Mr Harry. He walked in knee-deep rivers rushing at strong currents.
He even walked on a bridge fashioned out of a log with all the additional weight.
It took him about 7 hours to walk the 10km from where he bought the fridge to the school.
Teacher frequently treks through jungles with ‘deliveries’
Apart from going to teach, Mr Harry usually treks through the jungle as a ‘deliveryman’. He usually brings extra supplies and groceries for them.
This fridge was probably his biggest delivery yet — it took him 4 more hours than usual to get to the school.
The weight bore into his back and even left a bruise, but Mr Harry says the student’s happy faces washed all his fatigue away.
It was worth all the effort.
You can take a look at this video of the trail through the jungles.
Teachers paid for fridge together
The primary school is said to have only 11 students and 9 of them live in hostels as their homes are quite a distance away.
The teachers wanted them to have a steady supply of ingredients like meat and vegetables for their meals. Thus, a fridge was needed for the hostel. Mr Harry then bought the fridge with the money pooled from the teachers.
Hopefully a road is built soon
SK Longkungonon’s teachers hope a road leading to the school can be built soon so vehicles can reach it.
A road will be beneficial and more convenient for both the teachers and students who might then be able to live with their parents.
We too hope that they’ll have a road built for them soon.
Featured image adapted from Facebook and Harian Metro.
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