SANDAKAN: The Sandakan District Education Office (PPD Sandakan), in collaboration with the Sandakan Special Recovery Teachers’ Council (MGPK), organized the “Cakna Pemulihan: Celik Chef Pemulihan Khas 2025” programme at the Special Education Integrated Programme (PPKI) kitchen of SMK Muhibbah.
Held recently from 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm, the initiative engaged 11 Year 6 Special Recovery students from eight primary schools in the district, blending culinary creativity with foundational education.
The event aimed to foster innovation among Special Recovery Education teachers and advance the goal of achieving zero Year 6 Special Recovery Education students through alternative teaching methods.
Students participated in a hands-on “Sesame Milk Cookies” cooking activity, designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills (3Rs: reading, writing, arithmetic) in an engaging setting. Teachers also explored experiential learning strategies tailored to Special Recovery Education.
In his closing address, Deputy District Education Officer (Learning Sector), Suhaimi Othman praised the initiative for aligning with PPD Sandakan’s ambition to become a top-tier district education office by 2028.
He highlighted the transformative impact of creative pedagogy: “Through programmes like Celik Chef, students who once lacked confidence are now stepping forward to master essential skills. This proves innovation is key to unlocking their potential.”
The programme received robust backing from MGPK Sandakan members, supplemented by financial contributions from teachers and the PPD Sandakan Special Recovery Education Unit. Such partnerships underscore the community’s commitment to reimagining Special Recovery Education.
PPD Sandakan expressed optimism about expanding similar programmes to further strengthen foundational learning in the district. The success of “Celik Chef” reinforces the value of blending practical activities with academic goals, setting a precedent for future educational initiatives. – James Leong
