When living in peace is the hardest
IT has been a week of days. We had Mothers Day last Sunday, followed by Wesak Day, Nurses Day and Teachers Day. All were celebrated – some with love and others with respect and compassion.
Yesterday also marked another important day in the international calendar. And this is probably the single hardest day to observe for most human beings.
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The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Mothers with special children touched by treat in S'ban hotel
Andrew (right) and Anita (left) celebrating the mothers with special children. SINGLE mother S. Gayithiri was lost for words when she was honoured at a belated Mothers Day celebration for her role in raising her six-year-old twin girls born with special needs. The 46-year-old veterinary assistant and nine other women who raised special needs children were treated to a sumptuous meal and celebrated at a hotel in Seremban, Negri Sembilan. The event was organised by the Malaysian Public Service Society (MPSS). Gayithiri said it was the first time she had celebrated Mothers Day. 'I felt truly humbled. It goes to show that there are people out there who care and appreciate mothers who raise their special needs children despite the hardships and daily challenges,' she said. Gayithiri's twins both have autism. The older twin, Sri Theva Sena, also suffers from hemiplegia, which refers to paralysis that affects one side of the body. Both girls were born premature at 33 weeks. 'I'm happy to have met other mothers with special needs children. 'We are able to exchange notes on so many things,' she said, adding that she also got invaluable information on schools for children with special needs. Aznah Mohd Jani, 61, who attended the event with her 35-year-old daughter Nurul Atiqah Md Fauzi, also thanked MPSS for holding the event. 'Nurul Atiqah, the second of my three children, has Down Syndrome with hearing, vision and heart-related ailments since birth. 'Although the hospital is like a second home as she has many appointments, we are happy to be able to be here to celebrate this very special day,' said Aznah, a former teacher at a school for children with special needs. MPSS chairman Andrew Raju said the event themed 'Mothers' Loving Touch' was to celebrate mothers for their sacrifices in raising their special children. 'Raising a child with special needs can be emotionally challenging, not to mention the other challenges such as managing the financial costs and getting the proper schools or centres for them to learn basic things. 'We are here today not only to celebrate Mothers Day, but also to recognise and appreciate the great contributions of such mothers in raising special children with love,' he said. Andrew said these mothers were not only the primary caregivers but also teachers, nurses, protectors and true friends to their special children. Since parents are always concerned how their special children would cope after their passing, he said the authorities should consider building a special home that could be both a safehouse and development centre for these children. 'The home can be a collaboration between NGOs, therapists, psychologists and the community to create a sustainable ecosystem of support. 'With fundings from the state and collaborations between the local authorities and community organisations, this initiative, I believe, can be realised,' said Andrew, while thanking donors for making the project a success. MPSS women's wing bureau chief Anita Timothy urged the medical authorities to help parents with special needs children by providing them with more frequent follow-up appointments compared to between four and six months currently. 'This is important to ensure their development is not hampered. 'It is also hoped that private medical centres can help such parents by reducing the treatment cost, as insurance companies do not generally cover these children,' she said. She added that teachers should also be given extensive training to cope with the children's emotional dispositions.
New Straits Times
17-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Teachers the unsung architects of our tomorrows
It is Teachers Day once again. School halls echo with the excited chatter of Teachers Day celebration. But the fundamental question is: beyond the annual fanfare, are we seeing our teachers? Are we grasping the weight of their calling, the sheer artistry involved in moulding young minds? Beyond the celebrations, I urge everyone to pause and reflect on the profound role our teachers play in shaping not just individuals, but also the very fabric of our nation. Think back to your school days. Can you picture a teacher who made a difference? Perhaps it was the one who patiently explained a difficult concept until the lightbulb flickered on in your young mind. Maybe it was the one who saw a spark of potential and pushed you to strive for more. Or perhaps it was the one who offered a listening ear and a word of encouragement during a challenging time. They are testaments to the enduring power of teachers' influence. They are the architects who lay the foundation of knowledge, skill and character in our children. They nurture curiosity, ignite a passion for learning, and instil values that will guide our future leaders, innovators and responsible citizens. In a world that is constantly evolving, the challenges faced by our educators are becoming increasingly complex. They are not just imparting facts from textbooks. They are navigating diverse classrooms, addressing individual learning needs, and preparing students for a future filled with both opportunities and uncertainties. They are also counsellors, mentors and even surrogate parents, all while juggling administrative tasks and curricula. It is easy to take their dedication for granted. We see the school gates close at the end of the day and might not fully appreciate the hours teachers spend preparing lessons, grading assignments and worrying about the well-being of students. We might not realise the emotional investment they make in each child's progress, celebrating their triumphs and offering support during their struggles. Teachers Day is more than just an occasion for appreciation. It is an opportunity for introspection. How can we, as a community, better support these vital pillars of society? It starts with acknowledging their invaluable contribution, not just with words, but also with tangible actions. This could mean actively engaging in our children's education, fostering a culture of respect for educators, and advocating for better resources and recognition for the teaching profession. Hence, as the celebration unfold and the "Thank You, Cikgu" echoes through the school grounds, let us pledge to carry that gratitude beyond a single day. Let us recognise the immense responsibility teachers carry and the profound impact they have on shaping the future of the nation, one student at a time. For it is within the quiet dedication of these unsung heroes that the blueprints of our nation's tomorrow are being drawn. Happy Teachers Day. Senior lecturer, Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University
The Star
17-05-2025
- The Star
When living in peace is the hardest
IT has been a week of days. We had Mothers Day last Sunday, followed by Wesak Day, Nurses Day and Teachers Day. All were celebrated – some with love and others with respect and compassion. Yesterday also marked another important day in the international calendar. And this is probably the single hardest day to observe for most human beings.
