Dr. Kathryn Anne Rivai

Recipient of Anugerah Khas Merdeka 2024

linkedin profile

Health, Science and Technology

Dato' Professor Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman

Recipient for Year 2022

Something that is worth doing is often tough, but the rewards can be big.

A Journey Rooted in Commitment

Dr. Kathryn’s connection to Sabah began in 1977 when she moved to the state after marrying a Sabahan native.

Starting as a secondary school teacher in Kota Kinabalu in 1978, she quickly advanced into leadership roles, serving as Deputy Principal and Acting Principal at Maktab Nasional, a private school. Her experience and dedication led her to establish primary schools like Datuk Simon Fung in 1998 and Seri Insan in 2004, both of which were registered under the Ministry of Education. These early initiatives set the stage for her lifelong mission to improve education for all children in Sabah.

A Life-Altering Encounter

In 2009, Dr. Kathryn had a life-altering encounter that would shape her future endeavours.

A request from a timber mill and plantation to start a school exposed her to the harsh reality faced by many children in Sabah. These children, often undocumented and living in poverty, were deprived of their fundamental right to education. This experience ignited Dr. Kathryn’s passion for advocating for these marginalised children and led her to establish Etania Schools in 2009.

Etania Schools: A Beacon of Hope

Etania Schools, formally registered under the Persatuan Pendidikan Kanak-Kanak Matakana Sabah by the Registry of Societies (ROS), have become a beacon of hope for marginalised children in Sabah.

For nearly 15 years, Dr. Kathryn has tirelessly worked to provide quality education to these children, many of whom live in palm oil plantations and rural areas. With 14 schools under the Etania umbrella, over 1,000 students aged 5 to 18 have benefited from the education and life skills training provided by Etania.

Dr. Kathryn has pioneered a unique curriculum at Etania, emphasising academics, life values, and essential living skills. This approach ensures that students are well-equipped to contribute effectively to society, fostering a sense of responsibility, leadership, independence, and empathy. The impact of this curriculum is evident, with over 10 students having graduated from university by 2023, and many others succeeding in various vocations.

Serving as Principal and Education Consultant Etania Schools, Sabah.

Addressing Socio-Economic Challenges

Understanding the socio-economic challenges faced by marginalised communities, Dr. Kathryn expanded her focus to include vocational training, aiming to enhance livelihoods and foster self-reliance.

One of the notable initiatives under her leadership is the Model Vegetable Farm project, launched in 2020. This project, involving 60 families across three schools, provided training to Etania students on starting and maintaining vegetable farms. The initiative has since expanded to include fish farms, benefiting even more families and helping them sustain themselves during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another innovative project is the Aquaponics Programme, launched in 2023 with sponsorship from Calls Over Ridges, a Taiwanese NGO. This program teaches children sustainable farming methods, ensuring food security for their families in the face of increasing water scarcity and rising temperatures in Sabah. The Etania Sewing Programme, launched during the pandemic, has also empowered women by providing them with the skills to generate extra income through sewing, benefiting 30 families across two schools, with plans to expand further.

Collaborations and Expanding Impact

Dr. Kathryn’s strategic approach to fostering partnerships with community members and local and international organisations has broadened Etania’s impact and enhanced the quality of education provided.

Collaborations with entities like UNICEF and Me.Reka have introduced valuable digital skills training to Etania students since 2018, including computer literacy, coding, and robotics. These skills open up new income opportunities for students, including remote work and employment at community computer centres.

Looking ahead, Dr. Kathryn is preparing to launch a new life skills centre in Kota Kinabalu in mid-2024. This centre will offer programs that emphasise skills training, including computer skills, sewing, baking, electronics, and business skills. The centre will serve not only Etania alumni but also graduates from other learning centres, preparing them for future occupations and ensuring they have the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen fields.

Many helpful visitors come to our schools to understand the learning needs of our children.

Championing Teacher Training

Recognizing the importance of well-trained educators, Dr. Kathryn established the Coalition of Learning Centers Sabah in 2015.

This initiative has successfully implemented annual cost-free training programs for educators, equipping them with the resources needed to address the psychological impact of marginalisation on students. These programs have trained hundreds of educators, including 70 in early 2024 alone, ensuring that the next generation of teachers is well-prepared to meet the needs of their students.

Students celebrate birthdays of the month bring a sense of self esteem and recognition to every child.

Achievements and International Recognition

Under Dr. Kathryn’s leadership, Etania Schools have gained international recognition for their contributions to education.

In 2020, the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Malaysia Chapter honoured Etania Schools with the Sustainable Development Award, specifically recognizing their contributions to SDG 4 (Quality Education). They also received the ‘Best of the Best’ Overall Award for their educational programs targeting marginalised communities.

Etania Schools also received the Singapore President Award in 2020 for the sustainable design of the Etania Green School, a project
that houses over 350 students in Beaufort, Sabah. Constructed in collaboration with Singapore-based NGO Billion Bricks, the school’s environmentally friendly design, using recycled shipping containers and timber, has been recognized as a model for serving other underserved communities.

A Legacy of Dedication

Dr. Kathryn Anne Rivai has dedicated most of her life to serving the children of Malaysia, regardless of race, age, or creed.

Her efforts to provide education and uplift marginalized communities are highly commendable. She is deserving of the Merdeka Award under the Outstanding Contribution to the People of Malaysia category, as her work continues to inspire and create lasting change in the lives of countless children.

Disclaimer:
The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.

Other Recipients

Outstanding Contribution to Education and Community

Dato' Seri Dr. Abdul Samad Mohamed Said

Outstanding Contribution to Science, Technology & Innovation

Tan Sri Dato' Dr. Abu Bakar Suleiman

Outstanding Contribution to Education and Community

Dato' Dr. Faridah Merican