Peace and Harmony

So the Concert of Peace and Harmony , on the12 th November is over . I think it was a success because already the teachers are planning for next year and the Head of the Education Department is talking about hiring the Sport’s Complex for the event and involving more schools. I know the children enjoyed it and they all sang so well, however there were many things that we could and will do much better next year. When the idea of a concert of English Songs was suggested to me by my landlady in September, it seemed a great idea. What could be simpler than singing a few songs together at the end of the school year? The English and Music teachers all seemed in agreement and we set about deciding on the songs, date and venue. In reality they forgot to tell me that November is a month where the children are hardly in the classroom, teachers are on courses; there are sport’s days, camping and many other “programmes”- too numerous to mention. So finding children to sing and rehearse with was a major problem.

              The next problem was trying to get everyone to understand that it wasn’t a competition and that all the schools and children would sing together regardless of their ability. I found teachers often picking their best and being very reluctant to include the not so good students. The idea of a sing-a-long for enjoyment is a concept that the schools had never thought of before and singing together was even quite a frightening thought for the pupils as well. I wanted the village schools to be included but of course the transport was an issue as not that many of the parents have cars and funding for an “orang putih’s concert” was not available.

       The major disadvantage though was my ignorance of the etiquette and protocol that Malaysian life in schools must follow! I did invite all the Headteachers in the district but didn’t give a formal  invitation to all the Education Department. I hadn’t got the VIP sofas organised and they sat in quite shabby chairs like everyone else. My VIP’s were  Lungkiam and Othman the owners of the homestay and that was a faux pas because they weren’t in Education. I hadn’t got a Master of Ceremonies to make the announcements but managed to organise noodles for 600 children but failed to provide anything for the parents! I expect there were many more mistakes I made that are still making the Sabahans shake their heads in wonder. Next time there is going to be a committee with someone who knows what is supposed to  happen in charge !