It is easy to understand why she is popular with her students. Teacher Shak, as she is affectionately known by her students, has been a special needs educator for over 25 years.
In those years, she has seen the facilities and resources for special needs education improve and grow. But, the one thing that has not changed is the stigma.
“I have seen people with all kinds of disabilities and seen what they can do. They are capable.”
She yearns to find a way to tell everyday society that there is no reason to discount those with special needs.
“People put a label on them and think that’s it. But it’s not,” Shakila explained. “I have taught students who now work and contribute to society. Some are married and raising children of their own.”
Shakila recalled one student she taught who had severe autism. He is now an artist whose paintings sell for thousands of ringgits. “I can’t afford them!” she exclaimed.
Shakila also used to coach people with cerebral palsy in the sport of boccia. “They have gone on to represent Malaysia in the paralympics and won medals.”
She wants both society and parents to stop seeing the label before seeing the child. “Don’t tell me your child has this disability and that’s it for life. Everyone can be trained. I absolutely believe that.”
Shakila laughed as she described her students’ antics, and the pranks they play on her and how much she enjoys talking with them. As she shared how much they love to engage in conversation, her happy expression slipped from her face momentarily.
“People don’t talk to them. People assume learning difficulties mean that they are stupid and cannot hold a conversation. But they can! They have so much to say and I love talking to them.”
Currently, she is with Brilliant Minds Academy, a holistic education centre where she specialises in teaching students with learning difficulties. Classes at the centre are kept small and teachers help students learn at a pace suitable to their needs.
“My students make me laugh, they are so fun! It’s never boring going to work,” she said.
Clearly, working with children and teenagers who enjoy participating in the learning process allows her to enjoy her job. Yet, it is bittersweet because, as much as she enjoys her work, she is aware there are many children with similar needs in the country who are not getting the help they need.
“There aren’t enough special needs teachers or teachers trained to help people with learning difficulties,” Shakila told FMT. As much as she wants to retire and pursue other passions, the desperate need for teachers in her field keeps her from taking this step.
“It is sad, I won’t deny it. You see children suffering and it makes you question God. But that’s also why this field is rewarding – you can make a real difference in their lives,” she added.
Shakila urged those who are considering joining the teaching profession to look beyond the stereotypes.
She described how some people are reluctant to deal with autistic children as they are known to have meltdowns. “But don’t you? Everyone has meltdowns! It’s no big deal if everyone goes through it.”
The important thing, she said, is to never give up on others.
Even in her free time, Shakila’s mind is on her students. At night, she is a standup comedian who channels the pain and stress of her day job into jokes that give joy and laughter to others.
Shakila said people need to hear that an autistic child possesses the same naughty streak as a neurotypical child, and that laughing about their antics will help get rid of the stigma that comes with being a special-needs kid.
For Teacher’s Day, Shakila doesn’t want flowers or a card. She would instead prefer it if people showered more kindness on each other.
You can follow Shakila’s comedy skits on Facebook and Instagram.