After two and a half months break, we continued our journey to MRSM on 2nd of July. This time, we visited MRSM Kem Terendak in Malacca. It was totally a different environment because the institute is situated in an Army Camp at Terendak, Malacca. Anybody who wants to go in must go through army check post and leaving their identity cards there. It is good for the safety of the students.
Although it seems like a historical place as the buildings were built some 20 years ago, I’m sure the parents would have felt the safety environment for the students. This campsite can easily trigger the patriotic values among the students. The army tanks, trucks and the service men like lifestyle that they are going to experience at the army quarters around the MRSM would surely raise their patriotism and nationalism.
We reached the place around 12.30 and had a discussion with the principal then the counsellor Ms. Noraini led us to the conference room. From the conversation, we found out that both the principal and the counsellor are very supportive towards the betterment of our Indian students and of course there is nothing to talk about discrimination in this MRSM. The students were waiting for us patiently. Altogether there were 10 girls and 2 boys in Form One and only one in Form Two. Unfortunately, one girl was admitted in the hospital due to a severe gastric pain. Because of renovation, the students had registered themselves just about a month and a half ago.
Mr. Manikam, the Head of the Student Development Department of YSS started the session by introducing YSS to the students. Then he gave some advice to the students regarding self-adjustment according to the situation after listening to their problems and issues. He also mentioned that although it is very difficult to adjust immediately to a Malay dominant environment, they need to take every effort to do so.
Along the discussion, we realised that these students seriously lacked in information about the residential schools’ lifestyle. YSS has arranged a support system for these students and most probably the person in charge will take care of them on a weekly basis and will attend to their needs in the near future.
In my opinion, there are certain basic problems we need to address. They are:
The students are forced to study in MRSM by their parents just for the sake of glamour
The students lack exposure in knowing about the lifestyle in residential schools
They are not fully prepared to go far away from their families and
Most students are still young and not trained or matured enough to face difficulties.
To overcome such problems, we should start educating our young generation to live independently even when they are very young. We should change our styles of parenting and always encourage them in everything they do no matter how silly it is (….of course later we have to explain the pro and cons of their deeds) . By doing this, I believe the next generation can grow up to be confident, bold and also INDEPENDANT……………..
Address:
Tingkat 5, Menara Manickavasagam No 1, Jalan Rahmat, 50350 Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia
Phone:
6-03-4041 5958
Fax: 6-03-4041 5681
Email:
enquiries@yss98.com
