I was a teacher and still a teacher at heart. So I gladly accepted an invitation to attend the Prize Day by a dear Headmaster friend of mine, Mr Abdulla Ismail, at his school. It is one of the biggest primary school in Male, the Maldives. What happens then reminded me of the Annual Speech Day that we had in Malaysian schools ( I wonder whether this tradition is still practice in Malaysian schools now or otherwise, need to check on this ) But what transpired for the rest of the evening triggered back fond memories of my school days as a student and later as a teacher. Here, at Kalaafaanu School, they did it with a difference which other schools can emulate. By the look of it, the students and teachers of Kalaafaanu School must have worked very hard to put up such a grand show, the theme being entirely on the achievements of the students. It was not about the headmaster, not about the teachers but the STUDENTS ! It was their day, and the school is honouring them for their achievements with much fanfare. A total of 168 students were individually mentioned for their achievements and the school is proud of them. The trophies and gift vouchers distributed were mere symbols, but the atmosphere and the recognition generated by the event will forever be instilled in those young minds. The children were applauded not only on their academic abilities but for Proficiency, for Discipline, for Class Progress and for bringing honour to Kalaafaanu. Imagine also in having a prize for the Best Bandboy for Academic Performance and the Best Guide. Personally, I had not thought of this before when I was a teacher. Back then, we were only concerned about performance and excelling in studies; nothing else matters. Kalaafaanu has shown me that everyone can be best in something, and we must recognised that ! Thank you, Kalaafaanu.
