Mind your Language was a popular TV show in the 1970's. We enjoyed the show because Mr. Brown as the English teacher, taught in such an amusing way to his international class of students. They made mistakes and he corrected them with such humour. In between those of us who watched the series, very seriously learned a lot of English. It was really a good show. My children and I looked forward to watching it every week in Sibu.
However, serious thoughts would come to me because I remember how many of my friends who failed their Primary Six Entrance Exam (an old term) would attend Night School in the Methodist School, Sibu and after a few tries they passed their Junior Sarawak and then Cambridge Exams (MCE). They went on their on career paths and succeeded in many different fields. A few of them became millionaires within a decade or two, especially in the timber business.
The night school saved a lot of people.
A few successful people I know went to the night school to get their Bahasa Malaysia qualifications so that they could enter the civil service and later won scholarships to go overseas. Some also never came back because of their language trauma, if there is such a term.
Judy Wong, for example, after she came back from the USA attended the Bahasa Malaysia Class. She was successful in her career.
She also said that many of the Children Home's orphans also passed their Jr. Sarawak by attending the night school.
We must remember all those dedicated teachers who helped youths in this path. What a struggle indeed but it was an alternative at least. Some people never had a second chance.
thanks to Adult Education managed by the Sibu Urban District Council and all the teachers who taught well. One of the teachers was the late Mr. William Hsu who was so helpful in teaching history and even English. Another one was Mr. Eu How Chong who is now in his 80's.
No comments:
Post a Comment