Wyndham Community and Education Centre has created a lasting tribute to one of its teachers who died suddenly last month.
Sandy Mein, who taught the centre’s re-engagement class for young people who had left school and English-as-a-second-language classes for refugees, died on September 17.
While Mr Mein, 47, had achondroplasia, a condition that affects the formation of cartilage, causing shortened limbs, it’s not known why he died.
Upset by his death, Mr Mein’s students asked the centre to help them create a tribute to their teacher. It was decided to establish a scholarship fund in his name.
The fund will help a student attend classes at the centre next year. Mr Mein’s parents, Graeme and Margaret, have given the fund their support and are calling for donations.
“We were so moved by the idea. The nature of Sandy was to inspire others and we hope this will encourage his students to keep learning,’’ his father said. ‘‘He was very happy and cheerful and he wanted to make other people feel good about themselves.
‘‘He believed everyone had qualities within them that were worth developing.”
Margaret Mein said she was touched by the stories Sandy’s students had shared with his family in recent weeks, which told of their respect for him and the impact he had had on their lives, despite only teaching at the centre for about six months.
She said Sandy had previously worked in the Northern Territory, teaching indigenous adults who had missed out on an education.
“He saw how warm and lovely people were,’’ Margaret said.
‘‘He really encouraged his students to speak about themselves.’’
To donate to the fund, phone 9742 4013.
Sandy Mein.
