ATTENDING A 5-DAY ARABIC LANGUAGE COURSE

24-28th June ~ When I thought the first course was the last one, suddenly there was a letter from Institut Aminuddin Baki (IAB) inviting me to attend the intermediate Arabic language course which should be the continuation of the one I had attended two years earlier. The same place was chosen again: Genting Highlands; and I was there a month ago but for a different reason.

This time, there were only eleven participants - the least number of people participating in a course, ever. There were only three people who came from the first batch and the rest were from other cohorts. 
 

our lecturers

The session was basically divided into two: the Arabic Language Curriculum and learning the Arabic Language itself. For the first part, participants were briefed on issues like class observation, school-based assessment (PBS), constructing module for classroom, and innovative ways of language teaching. The more challenging part for people who have very little background of Arabic language, like me, would be learning the grammar of the Arabic language. I must say, for foreign language learners, it is not an easy language to learn - without hard work and determination.

my classmates

group activity

After five long days, it was time to leave the institute. We had a short closing ceremony at the end of the class so as to thank the organizer and lecturers for all the input given throughout the course. We tried to conduct the session in Arabic, actually by reading the scripts that had been prepared earlier. Luckily there were other participants who were real good in the language and were willing to help.

the master of ceremony, prayer reciter and
group representative delivering a speech

speeches from the lecturers

the (few people in the) audience

prize-giving session

group photo in the classroom

the ultimate group photo

I guess I have to put more effort and discipline to learn the Arabic language, the language of the holy Koran. 

 

 [Man Jadda Wa Jada]

translate: determination is the key to success

ATTENDING A 3-DAY COURSE IN NEW YORK HOTEL

OMG

7 - 9th May ~ I wish the title would read "Attending a 3-Day Course in New York" but it was only held in New York Hotel, Johor Bahru. I was asked to represent my principal for this course which introduced the participants to the basic skills of accounting and school finance management. The course was organized by Institut Aminuddin Baki. Instead of having it in its main campus in Genting Highlands, the course was carried out here for the southern region so there were 30 principals and senior assistants of secondary schools from Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan.

one of the speakers, Puan Halijah

the city view from the seminar room

the other speaker cum course manager, Cik Noraida

 

the only self pic, using the timer

THE CLOSING CEREMONY ON THE LAST DAY

the group leader

After three days of hard work, with endless counting and calculating, transferring and balancing, the course finally came to its end. It was a good exposure for a newcomer like me but I seriously hope I do not have to do any of that in the future.

I just realized I appointed myself as the group photographer. :)

INSTITUT AMINUDDIN BAKI, GENTING HIGHLANDS THROUGH MY CAMERA LENS

visitors greeted by arch decorated with verses from the Qur'an

the main hostel building

the surau [praying hall]

dining hall: interior and exterior view

hostel blocks

surrounded by trees

translate: climbing up the stairs is good for health but if you have any health problems, you are advised to use the normal road

climbing up the hill twice a day

the building where the lecture rooms are located

MY HOSTEL ROOM IN IAB

The room where I was put was a single room with an adjoining bathroom and toilet, sharing them with my neighbour next door. There was a lot of privacy but it could kill you to death as there was nothing to do at night because there were no night classes. If I had a roommate, at least there would be someone whom I could talk to.





It would be not bad for a budget stay. The minimum necessities like towel and bathing soap were provided. There was an electric jug and you could ask for the iron if you needed one.


At times it was a bit cold outside, especially at night after it had rained heavily. You could feel the cold air if you opened the door to the balcony. However, once the door was shut, you would be needing the fan in the room, which was a disappointment. I had earlier imagined the similar winter experience I had when I was in Sydney but that did not happen here in IAB Genting Highlands.

I guess one of things that they need to do to improve the condition of the hostel is to install Astro channels in every room in the hostel. I strongly believe that will make the occupants happier.