‘NOT JUST ONE CULTURE’: SJKC SIMPANG PERTANG CELEBRATES AIDILFITRI IN SPIRIT OF UNITY

JELEBU, April 11 (Bernama) -- Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Simpang Pertang marked this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri with a vibrant celebration, showcasing the school’s commitment to promoting unity among its diverse student body.

The school’s population reflects its multicultural ethos, with 56 Malay students, 37 Chinese, 6 Indian, and 11 Orang Asli students.

The celebration was not only a festive occasion but also a testament to the school’s inclusive approach to cultural exchange, where students of various backgrounds came together to celebrate the spirit of unity.

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The event took three weeks of planning by teachers and pupils. Among the highlights was a rendition of Senandung Hari Raya by 12-year-old G. Kashveena, joined by classmates in a traditional kompang ensemble, which even included a Chinese pupil.

Principal Lee Meng Chu emphasised that while SJKC Simpang Pertang is categorised as a Chinese national-type school, its diverse student body pushes the school to be more inclusive.

“I believe this programme has been very successful. Even though it’s a Chinese school, it wouldn’t be fair not to celebrate other festivals.

“Our students come from various ethnic backgrounds, so we plan to celebrate Deepavali and festivals observed by the Orang Asli community,” she told reporters during the event.

She noted that the school, which has 16 teachers, including three Malays, also offers Islamic religious classes under the Al-Quran dan Fardu Ain (KAFA) programme.

Students say this multicultural environment has profoundly influenced their perspectives. Wong Yi Qian, 11, shared that she can now speak fluent Bahasa Melayu, thanks to her interactions with Malay classmates.

Meanwhile, 12-year-old Nur Huda Adawiyah Fazuan, who scored top marks in KAFA, is fluent in Mandarin and English.

“It was difficult to learn Mandarin, but the teachers and friends here have been very supportive. Now, I can read and write in Mandarin, and I also understand a little Tamil,” she said.

For G. Kashveena, the advantages of studying at SJKC go beyond language. She now speaks four languages and finds the school experience more enriching as her classmates from different ethnic backgrounds are keen to learn Tamil with her.

-- BERNAMA