Introducing four newly minted Cisco instructors
Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. ~ Ecclesiastes 7:11
JRS Singapore’s digital education programme focuses on empowering our refugee brothers and sisters with professional skills for a better, brighter future. Since 2021, JRS Singapore has been running the JRS Singapore Cisco NetAcad, training refugee students in IT networking systems. Today, we shine the spotlight on four individuals who, despite of their situation, braved all odds to become certified Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) instructors.
Sam*, who has been mentoring other refugee students in our JRS Singapore Cisco NetAcad since he qualified as a Cisco Certified Network Associate in 2021 shared, “I did not know much about computers and when I got my first laptop, I only knew how to turn it on and off and watch some movies.” He chuckled at the recollection.
This has been a common refrain amongst the pioneer batch of CCNA instructors. They had little, or no, access to education and lacked the opportunities to pick up certified professional skills. Driven by their interest in IT systems and the sheer determination to improve themselves, they devoted their time to self-study, scouring the internet for online resources to deepen their knowledge.
Farah*, the only female amongst our CCNA instructors speaks confidently. “I did not want to waste my life while waiting in uncertainty. Having time on my hands, a device and internet connection, I started learning English online. After I picked up computer skills such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, WordPress web designing and video editing apps, I started to teach the younger refugee children.”
Having been introduced to the JRS Singapore digital education programme, the four of them were excited by the prospect of undergoing structured training and being certified. Established in collaboration with Cisco Systems Singapore, the Cisco courses are funded by a generous grant from the Diana Koh Foundation. Working hard to make the CCNA training a reality were volunteers Wilfred Leong who connected with Cisco Systems Singapore and Chia Tien Yau, a retired polytechnic lecturer who hit the books again to get re-certified as an instructor so that he could train our refugee students.
Sam excitedly revealed, “It was a dream (since 2018!) to be CCNA certified. I was in the pioneer cohort, and this made me very excited, and stressed at the same time. I was fearful of making mistakes, falling behind and having to drop out of the course.”
Indeed, the course was intense and required them to dedicate a significant amount of time to learning and practice. However, once they started on the course, they gave their full commitment and were determined to grasp this unique opportunity offered by JRS Singapore to attain the CCNA certification, and eventually to become certified CCNA course instructors. Farah shared that it was no bed of roses for her. “It was tough at first when I started the Cisco courses because I had to spend about 8 hours per day to keep up.” Farid*, the youngest of the instructors dedicated “several months of intense studying” before picking up the confidence to book his exam date.
Their hard work eventually paid off. At the end of November 2024, the four of them attended a Fast Track CCNA instructor course** conducted by ITE lecturer Philip Koon. There was much rejoicing when all passed the assessment with flying colours. Two months after attaining their CCNA course instructor certification, all four clinched a 6-month internship with an IT consulting firm. What a remarkable and awesome outcome! We could not be prouder of their achievements.
“It was a moment of validation for my hard work and dedication.
I was deeply troubled by the thought of my life passing by without any significant achievement. Passing the CCNA instructor course instilled a deep sense of confidence in my ability to mentor others. I felt proud and excited about the opportunity to share my knowledge and help others build their careers in networking. I am incredibly grateful to the JRS Singapore Cisco NetAcad and its dedicated instructors for their support and encouragement throughout my journey.” ~ Mohamed*
“Receiving my CCNA certificate was a significant milestone in my journey.
I am immensely grateful to JRS for the opportunities they have provided. Their support has been a cornerstone of my learning journey, and I am excited to continue exploring the world of IT, sharing my knowledge, and helping others along the way.” ~ Farid
Since starting our digital education programme in 2021, JRS Singapore has had the privilege of moulding the lives of young refugee youth who have shown such tenacity and drive. We are also immensely proud to see many of them giving back to the community as teachers. We are confident that they will serve as good mentors and will play a crucial role in lifting the spirits and well-being of their communities.
*Names have been changed for privacy purposes.
**The CCNA instructor course equips individuals with the necessary technical knowledge and pedagogical skills to become certified CCNA course instructors, allowing them to teach CCNA training courses officially. These include configuring and managing network devices such as switches, routers and wireless LAN controllers, and to apply networking concepts and identify basic security threats.