By Jane Ng

At 12, Mayflower Primary School pupil Eric Sng was in the foundation programme meant for the weakest pupils, and failing all his subjects.

And then a guitar made all the difference.

His teacher Melvin Cher, 29, felt that music could change and motivate students, and decided to teach some of the weakest ones, including him, to play the instrument.

It instilled discipline in him, and the pride and satisfaction of his first performance built his confidence, said Eric. He bucked up at school, and passed his PSLE. He is now in Secondary 2.

Yesterday, that idea helped Mr Cher clinch the Outstanding Youth in Education Award, given to young teachers for their 'enthusiasm, energy and active involvement in the development of youth beyond the formal curriculum'.

Explaining why he introduced the guitar, Mr Cher said: 'Learning an instrument requires discipline. To carry on playing despite the initial discomfort teaches them persistence.'

Mr Cher was one of three teachers who received the award from Education Minister Ng Eng Hen at the National Institute of Education Teachers' Investiture Ceremony.

The two other were Ms Chua Hwee Pheng, 28, of Pasir Ris Crest Secondary and Mr Quek Swee Nee, 28, of Bukit View Primary.

Ms Chua had led her students to build playgrounds for less privileged children in Cambodia, while Mr Quek introduced non-traditional sports like hip-hop and wushu in his school.

Pointing out how teachers could make a real difference, Dr Ng cited another example - master teacher Regina Davamoni.

A chat she once had with an ex-student who had been posted to the Normal stream changed his outlook on life. She found this out when he tracked her down to invite her to his 29th birthday party.

He has held her words close for 15 years, while working for his O levels, diploma and even now as he juggles his degree course with a demanding job.

Speaking to an audience of 504 new teachers and their families, Dr Ng said: 'As teachers, the small things you do, which you may not even be aware of, can mean all the world to a student who is on the cusp of a life-changing moment.'

This article was first published in The Straits Times on 9 July 2008.