A JOINT effort by SJK (C) Li Tek A, SJK (C) Li Tek B, SJK (C) Li Tek Cawangan, and SJK (C) Eng Chuan has given 38 pupils the rare opportunity to complete a Guzheng introductory course designed to broaden access to music education.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng said the programme’s graduation ceremony was held to recognise the pupils’ hard work and give them a sense of achievement after finishing the lessons.
He said every phase of learning deserved acknowledgement, and the event marked the pupils’ commitment throughout the programme.
“The initiative began when teachers and programme organisers highlighted that many students lacked access to music enrichment opportunities in the constituency.
“They later identified a coach willing to conduct the Guzheng classes for participating schools,” he said.
Wong said he supported the proposal immediately and instructed the constituency’s Youth Development Committee to plan and fund the programme.
He added that the students’ performance at the ceremony showed only the beginning of their musical potential, and encouraged parents to let their children continue with the higher levels if they showed interest or talent.
“Some of the smaller schools often struggle to run enrichment classes due to low enrolment and high operational costs,” he said, adding that combining several schools made it possible to gather enough pupils to run the programme successfully.
Wong said such collaborations could help schools introduce more co-curricular activities in the future.
Although the 12-week course was short, he said it provided students with valuable exposure to Chinese musical arts.
“Many adults have never touched a Guzheng in their lifetime, but through this programme, today’s students have had the opportunity to experience the instrument at least once,” he said.
Wong urged students not to give up if they had an interest, saying every stage of life offers new opportunities to learn.
He said the programme was funded by the Youth Development Committee, with pupils contributing a small weekly token through their schools or parents.
Wong also thanked the teachers, parents and all involved for making the graduation ceremony possible.
Among those present at the ceremony were SJK (C) Li Tek B headmistress Tan Kee Peng, SJK (C) Li Tek Cawangan headmaster Ang Kah Sing, co-curriculum teacher Cheng Chye King, and Pengkalan Kota Youth Development Committee secretary Ong Lin Pin.
Story by Edmund Lee