RANTAU: Ever since he was required to teach Mathematics in English, Mohd Azhar Abu Zarin has found it difficult, as he did not have a strong command of the language.

To overcome this, he has joined a pilot project aimed at mastering English.

“I want to improve my English. I can understand it but sometimes I find it hard to speak because I seldom use it.

“I'm worry that my students do not understand what I say. It is sometimes a case of translating from Malay to English and when they answer me in Malay, I have to translate that back to English.

“I want to build my confidence and speak English correctly,” said the SK Dato’ Raja Melana teacher who teaches Mathematics to Year Two pupils.

Mohd Azhar is among 50 teachers from 11 schools here picked for the nine-month Project to Improve English in Rural Schools (PIERS).

It was mooted by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and funded by Yayasan Negri Sembilan with support from the state education department.

The course is run by CfBT Education Services Sdn Bhd.

The project's senior trainer Mark Baldwin, who has been in Malaysia for the past seven years, said he found the job “fascinating” as the teachers were determined to improve themselves so they could do something for their students.

“The course gives teachers the support they need. And the best part of the job is getting smiles from the teachers and students because you know they are enjoying themselves,” he said.