Make Hay While the Sun Shines

In life, opportunities leading to success do not come by too often. It is always important for us to be on the look out and grab hold of such opportunities whenever and wherever possible. EWRF’s English Enrichment Programme (EEP) is an excellent remedy to achieving success in the English language and is a once in a lifetime break for the Year 1 Tamil school students to start acquiring English on the right footing.

Sadly, in some of the schools the number of students attending this programme is slowly decreasing. When the classes were first started in the schools, there were between 35-40 students participating in this programme. As the numbers decrease, EWRF is very concerned and we are currently in discussions with some of the Headmasters on the best way to resolve this matter. We must thank the schools as they are trying very hard to see to the completion of this project, then again there is a challenge. Yes, once again it boils down to the attitude of the parents. It being a Saturday, they probably prefer to watch ASTRO Vaanavil then to send their kids for classes. This has been an ongoing problem not only for us but for other NGOs and sometimes the schools as well. Nevertheless, we must carry on our quest to develop the less fortunate children of our community.

It was a nice sunny Saturday morning when our Executive Director, Ms Subita Nair visited SJK(T) Castlefield in Puchong. The students carried little bags and some were so shy to even speak. She gave a pep talk to the children and explained to them why English has become so important. Here is some of the feedback from the students about the programme, V Nagaveena, aged 7 said “I enjoy reading and have learnt many different things, from shapes to sizes to vehicles, in English. I like to come for this class on Saturdays. One day I will also help EWRF”. Another student, T Veanodh aged 7, said “I enjoy the writing and spelling activities during the classes and like the teachers very much. I hope all my friends will join the EEP programme”.

Mrs Muniswari, one of the teachers for the EEP classes in the school, spoke about the frustration she feels whenever the attendance drops. She said students would come in full force on some of the Saturdays and there are times only half would turn up. She is sad that despite her enthusiasm, student participation has not been consistent. She fully supports the EEP programme and said that more support for the programme is necessary, not only from the students, but from the parents and school authorities as well.

“I hope all the Tamil schools, parents and students involved in EEP, look at the ‘bigger picture’ and support our cause. When we help the students, it creates a chain reaction which automatically improves the school’s performance, and credibility will be enhanced. Furthermore, all the necessary resources are being provided for by EWRF and our humble request is for the students to participate. EEP can definitely help students learn English in a fun way”, said Ms Subita Nair, EWRF’s Executive Director.