AS the third week of the 2026 school term unfolds, social media has been abuzz with stories highlighting the daily lives of teachers and students.
One particular story, shared by Kedah teacher Akram Ishak, has resonated widely after he recounted a young student attending school in worn-out slippers.
The boy, Akram explained, is an orphan whose mother has passed away. His father works as a security guard with a modest income, supporting a large family. The child lives with his grandfather, along with his siblings.
“My student’s mother has passed away, his father works as a security guard, they have many siblings, and they live with their grandfather,” Akram wrote on Threads on Tuesday.
Despite the boy’s challenging circumstances, Akram noted that he and his two siblings are talented football players, prompting him to select the student to represent the school in sports activities.
To ensure the boy did not feel self-conscious or excluded, Akram gifted him his own favourite pair of international-brand Adidas sports shoes.
“These Adidas shoes are mine. You wear them and take good care of them. I cherish these shoes. Study well,” he told the student.
The post quickly drew widespread attention online, with many praising Akram for demonstrating genuine care and concern for his pupil, highlighting that education extends beyond academics to nurturing confidence, dignity, and opportunity for all students.
The teacher’s gesture serves as a powerful reminder of the role educators can play in supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they feel included and motivated both in school and in extracurricular activities. - January 21, 2026
