JOHOR BARU: More than 1,000 preschool and primary pupils put their patriotism on full display during a parade here, donning colourful traditional outfits and waving the Jalur Gemilang.
SK Mohd Khir Johari headmistress Siti Anita Misran said it organised its first ever Merdeka parade recently where pupils, teachers and parents walked along a 1.5km route near the school in Kampung Melayu Majidee.
“In conjunction with the upcoming National Day, we wanted to take the opportunity to teach the children about the significance and meaning of achieving the country’s independence.
“We hope to inculcate the spirit of patriotism and awareness in them at an early age,” she said.
She said the parade also included teams from the school’s uniformed bodies such as the Youth Cadet Corps, Boy Scouts and Junior Firefighters, as well as two colourfully-decorated vehicles to create an even livelier atmosphere.
Participant Mas Ayu Ari Ardini, 44, said she felt proud to join the parade alongside her six-year-old daughter.
“I dressed her in traditional Iban attire to honour our heritage and to remind her to be proud of who she is,” said the homemaker.
Noraini Rahmat, a 40-year-old mother, hopes that schools will consistently continue such programmes to truly instil a sense of patriotism in their pupils.
“Now, more than ever, we must teach our children about accepting and understanding each other’s differences,” she said.
