Allie Latin 36 wants nothing more than for the kids in her village to have access to education.
The devoted educator from Mukim Tulid, Sabah, who is also the principal of Tadika Cahaya Komuniti, shared that she does not even have a fixed salary.
"I don't have any salary for being a principal and teacher here. I just want to help students in my community here in Mukim Tulid," she said.
This selfless dedication embodies the spirit of community-driven education, where passion triumphs over personal gain.
The fees for the Tadika Cahaya Komuniti are reasonable, with parents paying RM50 per month. An additional RM20 covers meals for the children. While these fees are modest, some parents in the community face financial difficulties that make it challenging for them to afford even these reasonable costs.
The small and humble institution stands as a testament to her commitment to the children of her community.
Indeed, the economic challenges that the community faces can be daunting. The financial situation makes it difficult to sustain the kindergarten without the support of volunteers and community partners. In essence, it's a collective effort that keeps the institution running.
"We don't receive much financial support other than from the community and some help from the government. We're essentially a community initiative, and we have to be resourceful to keep the kindergarten running,” she said.
The sustainability of Tadika Cahaya Komuniti is of paramount importance to Allie Latin. She also expressed her hope to keep the kindergarten accessible to the children in their community.
"Here, I want to encourage other teachers to be patient and emotionally strong. Teaching can be challenging, and controlling one's emotions is crucial. It's essential to prioritise children's education and well-being,” she told Sinar Daily.
While expansion plans aren't in the works at the moment, Allie Latin said that the opportunity might be considered if it arises, provided the necessary resources can be secured.
Her unwavering dedication to the children's education and her community's well-being is a source of inspiration, reminding us that the impact of a single teacher can resonate far beyond the classroom.
"I hope to keep the kindergarten running as long as possible. I want it to remain accessible to children in our community. Financial assistance and support are vital for this purpose,” she said.