HUNDREDS of children adorned in traditional attire thronged the 1st Avenue Mall in George Town to enthusiastically take part in the National Day Carnival recently.
They sang patriotic songs to celebrate the upcoming Merdeka Day on Aug 31.
The National Day Carnival, themed ‘Education, The Key to Unity’, was a collaborative effort between Persatuan Majikan Pusat Pendidikan Malaysia and Persatuan Pengusaha Institusi Pendidikan Pulau Pinang and supported by Crime Consciousness and Public Safety Society (CCPSS).
The one-day carnival also was officiated by the Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara Pulau Pinang (PWMPP) president Tan Lean Kee, who is also the wife of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Persatuan Majikan Pusat Pendidikan Malaysia president Dr Lee Eng Wah highlighted the event’s significance as a demonstration of unity among diverse groups.
“It showcases the incredible results that can arise when different groups unite around a common goal and aim to instil a sense of love and responsibility for our country among preschool and primary children.
“This carnival also stands as a testament to the power of collaboration within the education sector.
“It represents our united commitment to provide our children with an immersive and experiential learning opportunity.
“We also provide a platform for the children to express their creativity through the colouring contest. Their artwork will not only showcase their talent but also reflect their profound love for Malaysia,” said Dr Lee.
Meanwhile, Tan in her speech, commended Persatuan Majikan Pusat Pendidikan Malaysia and Persatuan Pengusaha Institusi Pendidikan Pulau Pinang for organising such an event.
“This carnival can inculcate a strong sense of love, pride and spirit of patriotism for our beloved country among our young generation.
“I was also told that the activity booths, designed to represent the different states in Malaysia, have also been set up with fun and interactive activities. They expose the children and parents to the rich, vibrant tapestry of our society, woven together by threads of history, culture and shared values of our multicultural nation.
“We are blessed and enriched to be such a colourful and diverse country, in terms of language, food, culture and traditions,” she said.
Tan also said educators, parents and the whole community have an urgent responsibility to sow seeds of unity, acceptance, harmony, good values and patriotism into the hearts and minds of the young generation.
She added that this should start from their preschool time until the institution of higher learning to propel our nation forward in unity and economic growth.
Also present were Persatuan Pengusaha Institusi Pendidikan Pulau Pinang president Dr Lim Beng Suat and National Day Carnival organising chairperson Siauw Wen-Ti.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat