Home for the Aged visit proves an eye-opener for Year 6 pupils
I don’t understand why they (residents) are being placed here (Home for the Aged), and it is sad to see them without their family. Natalie Nicol
MIRI: It was a bittersweet experience for a group of Year 6 pupils from SK Jalan Bintang Miri during a trip to the Home for the Aged in Krokop, here yesterday.
Accompanied by their teachers, the 60 pupils visited the home for the first time as part of the ‘Tautan Kasih’ programme, organised by the school’s Moral Education Committee.
A reflection session held at the end of the programme saw several pupils shed tears when sharing their thoughts on their visit, which was an eye- opener for many of them.
Natalie Nicol told The Borneo Post that being able to interact with and help the residents made her both happy and proud, but that thinking about their predicament saddened her.
“I don’t understand why they (residents) are being placed here ( Home for the Aged), and it is sad to see them without their family.
“I was touched by the speech given by Sister Emily Ubong (a staff at the home) where she reminded us to take care of our parents until they breathe their last,” she said.
Another pupil, Sarvintirran Parthiban, said he felt good being able to help out at the home and was thankful that the school had organised such a trip.
“It was really nice helping out here today ( yesterday) and I am sure the rest of my friends feel the same way too. At the same time, it’s sad to see these senior citizens being here without their family.
“This visit definitely makes me appreciate my family more,” said the 12-year- old.
For Nicole Chung, she said she found it hard to understand why the residents were not being taken care of by their family, especially their children.
“It is so sad that they have to be here without any family members. We should always appreciate our parents and also the elderly, and we must take care of them because they were the ones who took care of us when we were young.
“When they get old, it is our responsibility as children to return the favour,” she said.
SK Jalan Bintang Miri moral education head Uding Anyie said the programme aimed to empower the pupils, especially those in Year 6, in applying the noble values contained in the Moral Education subject.
“Among the objectives of the programme are to teach the pupils about responsibility, and to preserve and practise noble values such as love, compassion, and concern, so that they are able to inculcate it in their everyday life,” she said.
Uding added that during the visit, the committee, teachers and pupils also donated some daily necessities to the residents.
Meanwhile, SK Jalan Bintang Miri headmaster Ahmad Othman said he was proud that his pupils were able to bring cheer to the residents, and hoped that they would visit the home again in future.
“Every religion requires each of its believers to practise noble and pure values. For the pupils, I hope they will not only be successful in their studies, but also ‘succeed’ as a human being,” he said.
Sister Emily, who spoke during the programme, reminded the pupils to appreciate their parents and grandparents while they are still able to.
“Care for your parents or grandparents as they have cared for you. They will not be around forever, so it is important to cherish each and every day with them.
“Some of the residents here have nobody. Most of the time, we end up arranging for their funeral because no one shows up when they pass away.”
Among those who accompanied the pupils during the programme was SK Jalan Bintang Miri senior assistant (Administration) Henry Madai.