KUALA LUMPUR: Patriotism and loving your country are not things that would just appear in our psyche, but require nurturing and should be inculcated in ourselves even from schooldays.
That challenge falls on teachers who have worked tirelessly to inculcate a sense of patriotism in the students they teach, even as Malaysia continues to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic. Their tasks have not been made easy especially with home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) being implemented after face-to-face classes in schools were suspended.
For teacher, Khairunniza Abdul Hamid, 35, teaching History indirectly nurtures the patriotic spirit in her students and himself, even during online learning.
Kahirunniza, who teaches at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Mengkuang, Bukit Mertajam, Penang, said instilling good values through education can produce students who will be able to contribute to their country, community and race.
“A nation can be built through good values. If they are good people, they can be the best in whatever field they choose. So when I nurture students, it will directly lead to a better nation,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.
Retired teacher, Noorizan Mohamed, 65, meanwhile said that teachers do have a strong patriotic spirit to teach students to celebrate and understand National Day in schools through various programmes, including singing patriotic songs, poetry recitals, unity dances and competitions revolving around the national flag, Jalur Gemilang.
The 2021 Tokoh Guru award recipient said in addition to teaching in class based on the curriculum set by the Education Ministry, teachers also play an important role in nation-building.
“Teachers have to inculcate a patriotic spirit and a Malaysian identity in students, right from primary school.
“This is done through school programmes that encourage unity among races and which lead to a greater understanding of Malaysia’s history,” he said.
Noorizan, the education programme advisor of Sekolah Amanah in Jeli, Kelantan said he nurtured the patriotic spirit among students when he taught Civics, which included race unity, understanding and tolerance towards religions and cultures in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Bethurajeveni Pethrajoo, 30, felt that the role of teachers was very important to developing students with a sense of love towards the country and believed in unity.
“Education needs to be the main core to develop individuals capable of contributing to society and the country. Teachers need to always instil good values in students,” the teacher from Malaysia Sports School Pahang in Kuantan said.
Meanwhile, a teacher who wished to be known as Ong said teachers are role models for students and can indirectly nurture their minds by cultivating unity through National Day celebrations.
“My colleagues are very friendly and we always build genuine friendships. We always give priority to unity among different races,” said the school teacher from Selangor.
She noted that National Day celebrations promote brotherhood among the culturally and religiously diverse people of Malaysia. – Bernama
