To Malaysia with love

A new friend and 2 happy faces

Nobody welcomes visitors with broad smiles and curiosity more than the residents of Selangor Cheshire Home. Add 4 youths to a group of middle-aged volunteers of The Sunshine Group,I daresay it was a wonderful combination to set off a vibrant mood. The young men and ladies were 2nd year medical students of Sunway University on their awareness programme of the disadvantaged in the community.

All hands busy making the flag

Watch me and follow

Our main activity with the residents that morning was the making of the Malaysian flag. With 53rd Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) on 31st August approaching, Daisy, who was in charge of the activity had meticulously prepared the bits and pieces for an interactive session with the residents.

In truth, making one's own country flag is no child's play. It has to be THE flag as we know. There was even a little quiz about the significance of the colours - yellow, blue, red and white, the crescent and the 14 stripes and points of the star.

A helping hand next to me

Some among the residents may have forgotten. But that did not dampen their spiritedness in following instructions, and with a little help got everything in place to make the Malaysian flag. Nor in their gusto singing the national anthem, Negara Ku (My Country). One or two, talked with pride about the country they love, the place they call home. I believe most schoolchildren have had the chance to make a flag and wave it so fervently for the country. One way for the seed of patriotism to be planted. Merdeka Day (Independence Day) will come and go as each year rolls in and out . Our young nation celebrates with parades, march pasts and fireworks. Citizens, especially the schoolchildren are reminded of the past sacrifices of the country's leaders to achieve independence for one and all. Tunku , fondly called Father of Independence (Bapa Kemerdekaan) will always be in our hearts.

Art happy to tinkle the ivories. Besides Negara Ku, we sang some other songs

Art, one of the youths played on the piano for us to sing . The youths were attentive and caring in their ways. They will surely be missed when they have to be back in the University and new visitors come after them. The morning ended as it began on a high note. The warmth and camaraderie spread around and was gratefully received.

So, it was an early celebration of sorts among individuals - residents of the Home, students and volunteers. It was an engaging session - the youths and volunteers reaching out as caring citizens - bringing smiles, laughter and friendship. Undoubtedly, there are countless more ways than one to reach out to fellow Malaysians. The beauty of it all is that we take away such warm memories of rare moments shared and how much better we can be as individuals. I believe there is no super formula. It comes from the heart. From it springs the love to make Malaysia, our beautiful country,a truly caring nation.

To all Malaysians, Happy Merdeka !

Nearly done - just a pair of scissors to snip off unwanted bits.

Proudly holding the flag she made

More than a smile!