School celebrates diversity

Toh and her teachers joined the pupils in forming the Chinese characters “Ji” which means “Chicken” to usher in the year of the Fire Rooster. RAYMOND OOI/ The Star

AS a teacher in a prominent school in Ipoh, I am proud of a tradition which we have been upholding for the past 15 years – holding special assemblies to celebrate our country’s festivals including Chinese New Year, Vaisakhi, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and National Day.

I think all Malaysian schools should hold special assemblies to celebrate our diverse festivals and ethnic traditions. This would go a long way in instilling the Malaysian spirit and values and create mutual understanding and respect among students of different races.

We can’t deny the fact that many of us tend to live in our own cultural cocoons and do not make an effort to learn and understand the other races around us.

I am afraid this is going to make Malaysians drift apart. Therefore, I strongly believe that all schools in this country should organise special assemblies during all the festivals to instil oneness among our students so that we will see a better Malaysia in future.

I say this because in our school, during these special assemblies, students are reminded of how fortunate we are to be in Malaysia where we experience and enjoy different celebrations and they are also taught to respect every race and religion. As a result, racial harmony among the students is remarkable and something for us teachers to be proud of. It is a positive reflection of our successful quest for kemenjadian pelajar (student outcomes).

Students often learn about festivals through reading or other media. Holding mini-gatherings in school would give them the chance to personally take part in the celebrations of all of their country’s festivals.

MOHANA RAM MURUGIAH

Ipoh