Women Unity of Culture (Women-UC), a newly-established NGO, organised three activities in conjunction with Malaysia Day for preschoolers in the vicinity of Ipoh. Forty-nine children from 11 kindergartens took part in a runway competition, colouring contest and quiz competition.
Aiming to promote different cultural understanding, participants of the runway competition were requested to wear a traditional costume that is not of his/her ethnicity. Clad in various Malaysian traditional costumes ranging from cheongsam to lehnga, dhoti and Kadazandusun costume, the children sang, danced and ‘berpantun’ enthusiastically.
Twelve children took up the challenge of answering questions related to Malaysian culture and customs. The organiser wanted to impart basic Malaysian historical knowledge to children.
And to introduce Malaysian arts, children were given pictures that were not of their ethnicity to colour.
Madam Kirubadevi a/p Varlimunian, mother of Dhanyasri Inthiren, 4, from Tadika St John said, “This activity is good exposure not only for my daughter but also myself as I get to mingle with other Ipoh residents. This is a good initiative and I would want to take part in any future events organised by Women-UC,” said Kirubadevi.
The event ended with Puan Nurul Fadrullina binti Abd Jalil, chairperson of Women-UC giving her vote of thanks to all parents and teachers who showed their support. Besides hoping this event could positively impact the children, she also wished one of the objectives of this NGO is instilling good values via the introduction of myriad Malaysian cultures, could be achieved.
Gracing this event was Dr Lee Boon Chye, Deputy Health Minister and Sandrea Ng. In his speech, Dr Lee urged all adults to inculcate not only the spirit of patriotism but moral values especially kindness in children so that they will be responsible teenagers and one day become selfless and considerate leaders.
