Is there justice and fairness for our children?

Adults understand (but may rebel occasionally) that somehow, life has its ups and downs, opportunities and unforeseen circumstances, luck and misfortune. Some are rich when others are poor and secluded; some are in joy when others endure endless suffering and oppression. Today, life may seem like you're opening Pandoras's box, when tomorrow can be a totally different picture.

The question is, should we drag children into this paradox? dilemma? confusion?

After writing my supposedly-last article, i believe i must agree with my friend Ritz Chewan that may be, i was facing writer's block..SO, what makes this come-back?

Apparently, my beloved children, and my fight for justice for all children. Now, I shall narrow doen this scope of discussion and invite you to consider the opportunities that schools create for our children....and ironically, deprive almost simultaneously.

I observe that my children love schooling and they participate in a bunch of activities and competitions. They represent school for story telling and choir competitions. They also spend time away from home joining PBSM camping trips as well as prefect activities. All in all, only one dream remains unfulfilled - 100m dash challenge! My children run a bit at home, and they love the backyard. But 100m event ultimately brings a different triumphant experience.

So, here comes the irony. I learned (the hard way) that at Primary Four, the school has obviously already eliminated my child's dream to even participate in 100m event. Farah got 2nd in 'saringan' but DID NOT end up in the team. The teacher's choice was no other that her best friend who got 5th place in 'saringan'...???

I tried to discuss the predicament with the teacher, counting on the notion of realizing children's dreams, and highlighting on the aspirations of the National Philosophy of Education to provide adequate exposure and development for Jasmani, Emosi, Rohani and Intelek.

And what did i discover??? The teachers have already shorlisted and identified the school runners, and they are more than happy to stick to their reputable list so that their 'rumah sukan' will become champion, and that other children's dreams to indeed try their talent in the event go to pieces, shatter in utter frustration.

If you have been in school enduring the cruelty of this system...i believe you'd understand how bitter this truth really is. If you are a parent,consoling your child to now be contented with running around the backyard, or completing loops at the nearby stadium...we may be in the same boat.

Think about this. The world is already cruel to children in so many different ways. I personally think that killing children's dreams- like this- is massacre!

Some may say that a child, like adults, can slowly and eventually grasp this bitter reality. Afterall, sports is only one dimension of educational and social development. My child can accept the disappointing result of my discussion wiht the teacher, but i wish i didn't have to have garnered all my strength to finally be defeated by a ridiculous system like it!

100 m dash....of course...to be included brings a wealth of happiness and experience. To be secluded...because of the so-called lame system... is evidence of ignorance to children's rights to develop potentials and enjoy childhood.

At least, that's what I think!

So, what do you have to say about this paradoxical, unfortunate interpretation and implementation of our esteemed National Philosophy of Education?

the Art and Science of Writing

Seriously...and sadly. I have nor been writing for a while. Those days, i used to think and write almost simultaneously.

Can it be that i talk more than i write now? Hmmmm..not quite.

Perhaps thinking and pondering over matters is already sufficient to make my day...really???

Okay. It may have a bit to do with mood...mood...and mood:) I seem to fancy reading more than writing recently. Perhaps, it is also a priority that i read and think more everyday in order to quickly finish my studies. Do i still write to invite others to think on interesting topics that strike my mind? Perhaps not as much. Nevertheless, be rest-assured that i will make my return to this blogosphere when the new semester comes around.

so, i shall take a break for a while, and we shall meet again very soon. take care and be good.

zue

Now, I am Connected

Eversince i moved into my new humble abode at MURNI, i have been deprived of internet communication - can't imagine so many months without internet access.

Today, life has returned to normal and i feel so much alive:) and rejuvenated. After a whole day at work, coming back home tired and restless, i now return to the luxury of internet connection.

Those days without internet were almost unbearable - no online reading, no emails, no access to blogging. Arrrrgh:( Thanks to broadband technology - we can now meet more often in this blogging community.

For those who subscribe to broadband, perhaps you'd like to share your experience, opinion, or comments on broadband technology.

Student Crisis

Alert!If you notice any kind of change to your behaviour, attitude and response, any abnormal or extraordinary pattern in the way you react and respond to simple daily chores - check things out and reflect. Why? This may very well be manifestation of crisis which needs immediate attention or help. Unless changes happen intentionally, it is best to be cautious and take the necessary steps to bring things back to normal.

In layman's term, crisis can be defined as conflict, problems, dilemma, anxiety, etc. In this predicament, an individual will not be able to use the common and familiar coping strategies and tension may arise. Common types of crisis include financial , identity, as well as relationship crisis. At university, decline in academic performance, peer pressure and conflicting priorities may pose an obstacle in the everyday pursuits. Hence, crisis erupts and the individual becomes easily agitated, disorganized and hostile.

Can crisis be avoided? Well, some matters in life are simply unpredictable and we may become victims of circumstances. Nevertheless, I believe that we can prepare for crisis by observing a few simple procedures daily:

1. maintain good friendship and relationship with people around so that they can alert you about any peculiar patterns of attitude or behaviour

2. whenever you are upset or disturbed, do not suppress your feelings but try to find a suitable way to express your fruestrations, and anger. Some people scream!!!, write in the diary or talk to somebody close and trusted

3. have faith in your life and future. Believe that God has created different pathways for different people in the different pursuits of success. If you meet an impasse, perhaps it's time to try another solution - opt for the road not taken and less travelled...

4. never give up! Seek for help and assistance. You should never be by yourself in circumstances like this... contact your friend, roommate, lecturer, mother, or counsellor, for help.
Lastly, crisis lurks in every corner of our challenging life. If we are prepared for it, there's hope that we won't fall prey to emotional outbursts or immature decisions. At UNITEN, there is a special club called PRS that trains its members to help peers under pressure. Of course, if they figure that the situation requires professional help, you will be referred to the counsellor or anybody more senior like the lecturers or the advisor.

Recently, the PRS at UNITEN organized a knowledge-sharing forum entitled: Student Crisis. Congratulations to the organizing committee. I think it's a brave and noble effort to carry out such an initiative. Students should be exposed to realities like this in order to better equip themselves with coping mechanisms to handle unforeseen circumstances.

Here are some photos of the event. Great job Mai (chairperson) and the panel speakers: Dominic (COE Third Year student, 7 times Dean's list award) and Muhammad (UNITEN alumnus, successful entrepeneur). I was also invited as a speaker, and I hope I have shared my ideas, thoughts, and experience well with the audience that evening. Last but not least, thumbs UP:) to Firdaus, project Chairman.

So...what's New?

New Year means a lot to us. Well, if it's not significant, why would we have all the joyous celebrations, mind-blowing aspirations, and absolute resolutions.

Most importantly, 2009 is not just ANOTHER year. What do you think?

To me, twelve months is like a grace period for many who have yet to accomplish goals ... like me:) It's a lucky charm for friends who are starting a new life... and a sweet challenge for graduates and final years when it comes to employability. Looks like the job market is getting all the more competitive these days.

360 days is like an endless to-do list reminding us of responsibilities and deadlines. Fine, that does justice to our pledge to quality and productivity. But, all work and no play makes John a realllllll dull boy..so, let's take a portion of it and make plans for some holidays, vacations and celebrations....

Just a final thought for us to ponder...the tag 'NEW' may be so cliche, but if it's the accepted expression of goodness and goodwill, why not cherish it, and make things happen. Nevertheless, it does not take a NEW year to make us committed, dedicated and alert. In fact, every breath we inhale promises hope, happiness, and wisdom.

Let's hope this NEW year brings joy, prosperity and friendship to us all.


To the blogosphere community, Happy NEW year...


Sincerely,
Zue