Teacher's viral Jawi lessons break barriers, proving it is for everyone

SHAH ALAM - A viral video featuring a non-Muslim teacher skillfully teaching the Jawi script to her students has garnered widespread praise, highlighting the growning recognition of Jawi as a form of art and knowledge for everyone, regardless of background or religion.

Lorenica Frenila Masundim from Sabah has become an online sensation after a video of her teaching the Jawi script to her students went viral.

The 34-year-old woman who taught Bahasa Melayu at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Bawang K9, Beluran was praised for her dedication to the art form despite not being a Muslim.

Sabah Education Exco Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif emphasised that the Jawi script was not exclusive to any particular religion or group.

"We are proud of the teacher’s efforts in teaching Jawi and this proves that Jawi does not belong to any specific group or religion.

"In fact, back in the 1970s, I remember seeing Jawi script in coffee shops," he said.

He said the Jawi script was a branch that encompassed both knowledge and art and it should be appreciated by everyone, including non-Muslims.

Lorenica learned the Jawi script in 2010 while she was studying at Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Gaya, Kota Kinabalu and she has since used her skills to teach her Year Five and Year Six students.

Arifin, who is also Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister said the state was actively promoting the Jawi script through calligraphy programmes, such as the global "khat" village programme in Membakut.

"In Sabah, we are promoting this script, which is known as calligraphy. This calligraphy, known as khat, is being developed through various initiatives," he said.

Lorenica’s 12-second video, posted on her Facebook, has not only gone viral but also caught the attention of former education minister Dr Maszlee Malik, who praised her efforts.