Hello everyone, I’m Rebecca from Sarawak. I joined ElShaddai Centre on June 19, 2020, and I’m now in my fourth year of working at ElShaddai Centre. Currently, I’m teaching at ElShaddai Jalan Pasar Learning Centre.
I am a teacher who is very strict with discipline, but at the same time I often encourage and care for my students, I know that the students have a love-hate relationship with me because of this.
At the end of 2023, all of the learning centres were preparing for their graduation ceremonies, and Jalan Pasar was no exception. During the preparation process, all teachers actively participated, doing their best to ensure the entire graduation ceremony went smoothly. After the ceremony, many parents came forward with grateful hearts to express their thanks to me, encouraging their children to come and say thank you as well, and even requesting to take photos with their children and me. What touched me the most was that some children would take the initiative to hug me tightly, and softly say, “Thank you, Teacher Rebecca, I love you.” There were several times when my tears almost fell.
Looking at these children, I have come to regard them as my own children. Although they had been naughty and made me angry before, when I saw them wearing graduation gowns, receiving their certificates, and preparing to enter primary school the next year, my feelings were like those of a mother, both proud and reluctant to let go. The students’ responses affirmed my efforts, and I deeply believe that it was all worth it. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to witness the growth of these refugee children, and this experience has made me feel incredibly happy and fulfilled.
I hope that the students can work hard for their own future; even when facing an unknown future, they will not give up easily. For those who have the ability to continue learning, I hope they can steadfastly pursue knowledge; and for those who cannot continue their studies, I wish that they would actively seek a skill to lay a solid foundation for their future life.
