KUALA KANGSAR: At least 70 per cent of schools nationwide have incorporated the Guru Penyayang (Compassionate Teacher) programme since it was introduced in March.
Education director-general Datuk Seri Abdul Ghafar Mahmud said it was expected to be carried out in all schools by year-end. He said although the programme was not compulsory, schools were encouraged to practice it as the objective was to build rapport between teachers and students.
"It will help foster closer ties between students and teachers. Students will be able to get to know the teachers on a more personal level and they won't be so intimidated by the teachers' presence," he said after launching the programme at SK Raja Perempuan Muzwin here yesterday.
Among the elements in the programme, teachers would greet students as they arrived at school on a daily basis and incorporate the mentor-mentee approach.
Under the Guru Penyayang programme, teachers and students were encouraged to interact on a personal level. Students could show their appreciation to teachers and vice versa, while teachers could also reach out to students by rewarding them for their achievements and remembering their birthdays.
In conjunction with the national-level Teachers Day celebration, some 200 teachers at SK Muzwin greeted their students as they arrived at school yesterday.
Teacher Nizamudin Ahmad Adam said Teachers Day this year was sweeter because it also fell near his birthday.
"I celebrated my 36th birthday on Monday and my students organised a double celebration."
He was among two other teachers and 50 students whose birthdays fell on this month. They received goodies and cards.
