Not a very positive day for P6 REspect

I managed to attend the last two periods of English in P6 Respect today. Somehow, the moment I stepped into class, I felt that something was not right. The class was way off their good behavior scale and focus was way off. During class, a few of the students were not paying attention and were causing disruption during the lesson. Even during the supplementary lesson, the symptoms carried on.

After school, I spoke to Mdm Melati to analyse the situation today. It was through this conversation that I found out about the sad fact relating to Jiun Wei. He receives corporal punishment at home should the school teacher provide feedback about his performance.

Whenever he comes to school with cane marks on his body, he feels ashamed. Hence, he will cooperate if the teachers use his parents as a tool in nudging him along. I feel sad. In the long run, it will not do him any good. It will only bring down his confidence level and take away his interest in life.

At this very moment, I can see that somehow, he has lost most of his interest and hope in life. Everyday, he works only when he has to. He is not interested in anything else. He walks with a slouching posture. His eyes look dull with a sense of gloom. How can we show these children that there is still hope in their lives? How can I make them understand that all they need to do is to believe in themselves? I was once like them and somehow I managed to go through the system unscathed. But today is a different story. The standards are higher and the education system is different.

My heart breaks for them. The tears flow naturally. I cannot help it. What can I do to help him? I cannot change the environment he lives in. How can I show him that there is still hope for him? How can I help him see?

Dear Lord

I pray for your guidance. Please show me the way to help Jiun Wei. I may be emotional. I know that. But I do feel the hurt and pain. I do not know if his parents show enough care and concern for him but I know that he is losing that spark in life and losing it quick. He is only so young. He has yet to discover the many wonders in life? How can we pull him back? How can we help him gain the confidence to work towards a better life?

Please give me a sign. I want to help him so bad.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.