Read this in the TRE. ‘According to the
Lianhe Zaobao, an 11-year old boy had committed suicide by jumping off a
block at 470A Fernvale Link yesterday (18 May). … the
boy’s mother was seen crying next to the his body while his father
apologised continuously. It is unclear why the suicide took place but the
boy was supposed to go to school to collect his exam papers so that his
parents can acknowledge his results and sign it.’
We are hearing more and more of such tragic stories of our young being stressed out and even committing suicide. We had Benjamin Lim, now this 11 year old, likely to be related to the stressful education system.
My advice to parents, please treasure your children. They are here for you to enjoy them, to share your love, joy, pain and unhappiness and whatever together. Love them and treat them well. Not every child will score straight As or do exceptionally well in school. A child is gifted in many ways, not just academically. Enjoy them, nurture them and look at their good sides and their blessings.
A child needs a lot of tender loving care and support from the parents and adults, including teachers in schools. The child is in the care of parents and teachers to grow up to be responsible and healthy adults, not just to score in examinations. They need to know that they are being loved and wanted by their families, precious to their families for what they are. And anyone that has no feelings or empathies for chlldren should not be teachers. The MOE must get rid of them from the system.
Do not take it out on the children. Do not mistreat children, do not leave them in the lurch, in the hands of beasts when they are in trouble when they are doing badly in examinations or socially. It is in such times that they really need the parents and the teachers. The last thing is for the parents and teachers to desert them like they are outcasts, lepers, to be left on their own in times of need when help and love are what they need most.
This 11 year old child and Benjamin would still be around if parents and teachers are there to give them a helping them in their hours of darkness and despair. Love your children, love the children. The last thing, do not treat every child as a hopeless case, a hardcore criminal. Only evil, wicked and irresponsible beasts would do that to hapless and defenceless children.
Do not let this incident and Benjamin Lim to happen again. Parents, adults, teachers, police officers, you better take note. Young innocent lives are at stake. Do not be the cause of tragedies of young lives. Do not take it out on young children. Do not abuse your authority. Do not be irresponsible.