Starchild: Warm wishes to all Malaysian children on Children's Day

Wong Zhi Ying, 7

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ITEM: The school holidays are almost here. After a long term of (hopefully) studying hard, a long break is most welcome. So what do you plan to do during the holidays? Are you doing anything exciting? Is there anyone you want to spend time with? Or are you planning to stay at home and fill up your time with indoor activities due to the pandemic?

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by Dec 3. Please put “STARCHILD: “School Holidays” in the subject line of your email.

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Did you know that tomorrow (Nov 20) is Universal Children’s Day? It is a day to celebrate and respect children’s rights around the world – and yes, that includes you too! Many of us have so much to be grateful for but we must not forget our peers here and elsewhere who aren’t as lucky.

The United Nations Children’s Fund’s (Unicef) website (unicef.my) reports that an estimated 1.5 million children still die from diseases that could have been prevented through vaccinations.

In addition, more than 121 million children of primary and lower secondary-school age are out of school worldwide, and an estimated 250 million children are failing to learn because of a lack of access to quality education.

Universal Children’s Day is a day that recognises that children have a right to health, safety, education and respect. This special day reminds us that children are important members of society, and they need love and care to grow and develop their full potential.

Here’s are Starchild readers’ letters on the topic, Children’s Day.

Wong Zhi Ying, seven, wishes she could celebrate Children’s Day on a grand scale. “I remember how I used to enjoy myself on his special day while I was in kindergarten. But due to the pandemic, I haven’t been able to celebrate Children’s Day. Instead of online lessons, it would be interesting if my teachers could organise this special day for my friends and me. I would like to wish Happy Children’s Day to all my friends whom I have not met for months and also other children. May they stay safe and healthy.”

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 6

Six-year-old Bethany Wang Qi Syuen thinks children should do more outdoor activities. “We should enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, so we can grow healthy and strong. I hope we can venture out to parks and playgrounds since the country’s Covid-19 situation is improving.

Younger sibling Asher Wang Qi Chuen, four, hopes children and parents spend more time together during this pandemic. “I am really happy to enjoy more family activities because my dad works from home.”

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 4

Claire Yap Jin Wei, six, thinks Children’s Day is a special day to celebrate children worldwide. “Children can learn new things and practise so that they can be better and better. If they get it wrong, they may feel sad and cry, but they can try it again. Children can do many things like riding a bicycle, dancing and hugging each other. I think all children in the world are special!”

Claire Yap Jin Wei, 6

Older sibling Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, eight, writes: Children’s Day is celebrated on the birthday of India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Children’s Day is celebrated because of the prime minister’s affection for kids.”

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, 8

“I love Children’s Day because I am allowed to play my favourite games all day long. I get to play Mario Party Superstar with my brother and win together. I hope I am allowed to eat different flavours of ice-cream and lollipops too,” says Wong Jie Ern, five.

Wong Jie Ern, 5

Seven-year-old Wong Cheng Yang feels sad because he cannot celebrate Children’s Day with his friends due to the pandemic. “However, I can play Mario games with my family this year. I wish that day will be a ‘Yes Day’ for my sister and I. I can drink fizzy drinks and have McDonalds for lunch. I want to have outdoor activities with my family too. I love Children’s Day very much.”

Wong Cheng Yang, 7

“I love my family. Stay home together and be safe,” says Mandy Tang, five. - Compiled by Sheela Chandran

Mandy Tang, 5

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 9 years old writes, "I love children's day because I will get some presents from my teachers. Last year, my class teacher brought us some popcorn, candies and sausages. I wish my classmates and buddies "Happy Children's Day."

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 9

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 12 years old writes: "During children's day, I will bring some food and sweets for my classmates. We enjoy eating together. My school teacher will allow us to play games like carrom and chess in the classroom. I wish the pandemic will be over soon so we can have fun celebrating children's day."

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 12

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