24 July 2011

With a sigh ( Pt 7 a ) - Poor little thing

I scolded her for not showing interest after three classes at Almanar. Let us call her Ani for simplicity. She proved herself lazy. She could not read a simple sentence. She did not know the meaning of simple words like face and cook. She had, a few days earlier written those words in her ‘vocab book’ which Pakcik gave to everyone on the very first day at Almanar. That is how important ‘vocab book’ is at Almanar in learning English – the way all Pakcik’s children were made to keep and learn.

A few harsh words were said and pakcik could see her eyes brimming with tears. She was sensitive, after all. Later I pulled her aside for a few more words.

When the class was over I went over my notes on the children of that special class – special because it was a newly formed class made up of ten orphans and the rest from poor parents. Then the reality began to dawn on me.

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Ani is a girl of thirteen from a town about 150 km from here. A diminutive ‘little thing’ was my first thought of her when I first saw her. When she was a baby, a childless old couple adopted her. Today, Ani has no idea who her real parents are, whether dead or alive. Unfortunately, her foster parents are poor, too, financially and academically. Under such circumstances, she grew up through her first six years of primary education without any help at home. One would, then, quite naturally expect her to acquire something from her six years at her primary school. But what she achieved for her UPSR exam was EEEEE – 5 capital Es for the five subjects ! I am not surprised if her school is in fact one of those which have contributed towards making Terengganu the proud state for being the champion state in achieving AAAAA – 5 capital As – in every UPSR examination during the last several years.

Then I ask myself what had Ani’s primary school administration, the Head, her teachers, the guru ‘motivasi’, the lot of them, including PIBG, ever done for this pathetic-looking ‘little thing’ ? In my mind, had she been abused as a child labour at rolling ‘keropok lekor’, she would have been an expert at it today, able to earn herself and her aged foster parents a few cents a day. But, after six years of primary school education in a champion state this 'poor little thing’ had not learnt her ‘face’ and ‘cook’.

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Two days ago, I approached her again with simple questions. She had got them! And there was the glimpse of a smile on her face; the 'poor little thing’, I thought, had begun to learn something. I have learnt something, too. Now she will be handled with kid’s gloves. But how much can I do it all myself, with limited time allowed and when she has eight subjects to learn at school – plus the ‘wajib’ (compulsory) extra curricular ( koko ) activities imposed by to-day’s education system? It would be a sad thing if she, one day for the entry into a local university ( of the famed taraf antarasa bangsa, of course ), gets EEEEEEEE – all 8 Es - in her SPM despite the full 10% points from her ‘koko’.

With a sigh,
We will try
.


Berkhidmat kerana Tuhan untuk kemanusia

33 comments:

Zendra-Maria said...

Salam Pakcik, obviously no one can start a new beginning for Ani but I believe you have a hand in fashioning a new ending for the poor little girl, Insya Allah... May He bless and reward your tireless efforts :)

sintaicharles said...

She is fortunate to have you guide her. There are many students like Ani in my school.It's difficult dealing with them because their minds are slow to learning.To make them pick up knowledge one has to really do something like Pakcik does.

Nine years ago, out of pity, I taught a very naughty boy how to read and write everyday after school. However, many colleagues insinuated to me that I was an empty vessel trying berlagak pandai mendidik budak yang tiada harapan lulus SPM'.I was hurt by what they said and soon gave up tutoring that boy.
Now, come to think of it, I should have persisted in teaching that boy. I lacked the spirit of Pakcik.

Cat-from-Sydney said...

Dear Pakcik,
Belakang parang diasah lagikan tajam. Inikan pula manusia yang berakal. I'd suggest sending her to a skill training centre instead of pursuing the academic path. But perhaps after she's learned to read and write. har har har *sad laughs*

Al-Manar said...

Zendra,

I would like to see a change in her attitude towards education. Whatever progress she can make will dictate which route she should follow in a few years' time. It s a pity the last six years seems such a waste.

Al-Manar said...

Sintaicharles,

The kind of attitude shown by your colleagues is what saddens me. It is all about SPM, not what knowledge a child should be equipped with to face a future. I am sure you would not give up that easily in future.You have a lot to give if I were to judge you from your postings.

Al-Manar said...

C-f-S

I agree with you. We must not aim for everyon to go for tertiary education. It would be helpful for a child to be helped to PMR level from where he/she can a pursue vocational course at a vocational school (now is all called sekolah teknik). Years ago I sent a poor girl to one of these schools to do her form four with tailoring as her main subject. In two years she was proud to be able to tailor her own baju kurong. But the basic foundation in English, maths and science learnt at Almanar in three years enabled her to perform well in these subjects at SPM, qualifying her to go for a nursing course. She is now happily working at a university hospital, hoping that one day she can do her degree in nursing at the university.

Wan Sharif said...

I pray to Allah that all is not lost yet for Ani. With your du'a, kind and persistent guidance.. she will learnt soon enough and hopefully progress enough so that she will not to lose all hope of seeing herself successful in her undertaking..
May Allah give you strength and courage to do whatever you are doing..

ninotaziz said...

As usual, because it is what I know best - I refer to my years as a mother. I have one or two brilliant children, and those who are hardworking, creative and competitive kids. Not all pick up things as fast as the other sisters but eventually all try VERY hard and I never give up on any them.

There is also the guilt because in different stages of my life, I could afford different things during their growing years.

However, I know that tertiary education is not for all of them. Some will do music or design work. Because the math, science and concepts are just plain too hard.

And at the end of the day, nothing replaces budi bahasa.

Will power. Social skills. Attitude.

Al-Manar said...

Ayah Wang,

No, nothing is really lost in life. There is hope as long as there is life. That is how we all have been taught, haven't we,dear Ayah Wang?

Al-Manar said...

Ninot,

Reading your postings one can gather the pain and concern you have shown in raising your kids. There are times we lack the means to do the best for all of them. But we can always help them learn, as you rightly said, budi bahasa, and acquire will power, social skill and correct attitude.

I am lucky to have passed the stage you are at, but, with the experiece gained in life,I wish to do something for the unfortunate ones who come my way.

All the best to you dear Ninot.

Anonymous said...

I wish all the best for Ani. There is one more thing that pak cik should teach her, to feel good over every little or big achievement she has done all these years and what she will do in the future - not crying over it.
Syami

kaykuala said...

Dear Pak Cik,
Where there's life there's hope. 5Es after 6 years is not end of the world.The fact she joined al-Manar, is half the battle won. Together with your presence and help of others, she'll just need to pick up the pieces one by one. The environment is perfect for a turn around. She'll make it!

Hank
P/S I look forward for a promising update 1 yr from now ie Hari Raya 2012. There'll be a Hari Raya present from Hank for adik Ani for a good showing. I'm sure she will live up to it!

Al-Manar said...

Syami,

There is something in what you said. Pakcik will think about that.

Al-Manar said...

Dear Hank,

You are right. It is not the end of the world. Ayah Wang above expressed a similar sentiment. Indeed, your idea, dangling a carrot may do it. Life is full of surprises.

ninotaziz said...

Dear Pakcik,

To deviate, I see a heartwarming patriotic feeling in the school children, after a very very long time. I see the schoolboys wearing the Malayan Tigers jersey everywhere....maybe there is hope for our country.

Al-Manar said...

Ninot,

Have you really seen Malayan tigers jerseys on those boys? I must have missed that. If that is so, instead of no 1, then I hope you are right. I wonder if Ayah Wang or Akhi Hank around. I would like to ask them if either has seen that. Ayah Wang, in particular, moves around and should have seen these children.

kaykuala said...

Dear Pak Cik,
Not rightly sure of seeing tigers on jerseys.This reminds me of a remark in the Visitor's Book when I visited Taman Negara years back. Touted as tiger country and frustrated of not seeing one, the visitor wrote,'the only tigers I saw were on beer cans'

Tigers on jerseys? No, not seen.If I were to spot a yellow jersey these days I would still not be seeing tigers it might have 'Bersih' written all over it.

Wan Sharif said...

Dear Pakcik and Ninot,
School children, IMHO, have always been patriotic in normal circumstances. Exposure to relentless politically motivated propaganda and extensive political bickering from people(that they look up to) may alter the viewpoint of some children .
After a long period of imbecile national football, current team has managed to restore some of the national pride. With a lot of sponsors and promotions, we noticed tickets to games between Malayan Tigers and Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea Fotball Clubs are given free should we buy anyone of the 4 teams' jersey.. hence we see ample Malayan Tigers jerseys {being the cheapest amongst the four ;)} owned by our school children and our youths.
Yes it is indeed heartwarming to see school chidren wearing the Malayan Tigers jersey everywhere before and after our games with Indonesian.. in KLCC here we do see some ;)).. with the support from all, InsyAllah we will see some revival of Patriotism shown by our youths :)).

Al-Manar said...

Dear Ninot,(Akhi Hank & Ayah Wang )

You see what I mean - about Akhi Hank and Ayah Wang kita?

Hank knows about that Tiger on the cans. He took us round Zoo Negara and so on to talk about those cans! That is Malayan Tiger for you according to our dear Hank. Those who love that kind of cans will always associate Malayan tiger with them. 'Let's go for a tiger"! I know Hank and I, myself have nothing to do with that. Lagi pun dah dekat bualan puasa!

As for Ayah Wang, the man of the world, sure enough, he knows! Ask him anything, from what you get from below the ocean to the deepest wells on earth. Of course a simple quiz about jerseys with Malayan Tigers is nothing to him. I saw him with his grandchildren cheering mad for the Malayan Tigers team.

And, Ninot, we have not asked the Cats. We all know their spontaneous answer, " Tigers are our family" ! Hope the Cats do not get offended. We leave some kepala ikang singgang to appease them.

Thank you Ninot, Hank and Ayah Wang - and the cats too for being understandimg about rules for Pakcik's blogs - all for lifting our spirits - except that in the cans with Tiger.

Anonymous said...

Comment copied from facebook:

Nor Ghani Very touching, Akhi Pakcik Al-Manar. Please help Ani in anyway possible. Buy the things she needs. I am ready to foot the bill for her. Tell me how much per month. Salam.

Al-Manar said...

Akhi Nor Ghani (of Norzah),

Your genuine concern is a reflection of one I respeect. I appreciate your offer. The girl is one of the new Darul Akhyar children, fully supported by the state religious dept. They are devising an 'anak angkat' scheme for members of the public to 'adopt' the children by subcsribing certain sum on a rgular basis. Once that is finalised I shall post the scheme for Almanar visitors to participate.

This scheme was introduced by MARA more than 20 years ago. I had aopted a few primary school children from rural areas in Pahang and Terengganu. I am not sure if they still run this very good scheme.

Anonymous said...

Salaam Pakcik

I have 'adopted' a few anak yatims directly and would like to adopt some on your upcoming list. Keep up the good work Pakcik. May Allah bless you and Selamat Berpuasa.

amimy01@littlereddot

Temuk said...

Berapa berat mata memandang, telinga mendengar; berat lagi kepala memikir dan bahu memikul seperti yang tuan lakukan. Semoga Allah memberi kekuatan dan petunjuk kepada tuan, berterusan. Selamat menjalani ibadah puasa dan selainnya sepanjang Ramadhan.

ninotaziz said...

Dear Pakcik,

We can't bring the Cats into this. The whole clan was thinking about charging the world royalty for using any 'cats' on toys, logos, wearables of any kind.

I am so glad for my online community friends - Selamat Berpuasa semua especially Ayoh Wang, Sir Hanks and Pakcik dearest.

Al-Manar said...

Amimy01

You are truly charitable. Both of us wish you good health to carry out what you have been doing. Selamat berpuasa Ramadhan.

Al-Manar said...

Sdr Temuk,

Semoga ingatan dan doa yang baik mendapat balasan setimpal daripada Nya.
Saya ucapkan selamat berpuasa Ramadhan kepada saudara dan keluarga semuanya.

Salaam muhibbah.

Anonymous said...

Pak Cik, have you given Pushpa a call? He is waiting to give you some help handling subjects at Al-Manar. I will be there too starting this Ramadhan insyaAllah. May Allah give you strength. Amen. See you on this Friday!

~AZMIERA~

Al-Manar said...

Ninot,

Let us not disturb the Cats for the moment. After all it will be Ramadhan soon. I still remember the occasion I spotted you with amazement how you were managing so many blogs, and am pleased that I took the trouble to draw your attention that, today, my circle of blogsphere friends is made up of people with varied experience, people who are truly worth knowing.

I hope Ramadhan will bring more good things to you and family. Selamat berpuasa.

Al-Manar said...

Azmiera,

From KL I called Pushpa who was then in Langkawi. Promised to call again when we are back. Today Fatin called over with packets of goodies from Lamgkawi. She seemed to know Pushpa quite well.

Almanar will close in the evenings of Ramadhan. So helps are needed for afternoon classes as managing it all by myself in the afternoons only is just impossible. Give me a call whenever you are around.

yohteh said...

...teringin melihat wajah/potret 'Ani'...

Al-Manar said...

Yohteh,

The one thing which attrcted me to your blog was the pictures of an old man - just those beautiful pictures which told a lot without words. With the simplest of a basic digital camera I can feel all the inedequacy. Insya Allah after class this afternoon, I will call the girl aside and take a snapshop of her for my next posting. That is if she is present.

sintaicharles said...

Pakcik, I got 3Ds and 2Es in UPSR.

Al-Manar said...

Sintaicharles,

Thank you for revealing this lack-lustre fact to Pakcik. I hope you don't mind my repeating this in my next posting.