Voices of Students: LISTEN UP!

Hello!

It is the end of the year when everyone is bitten by the holiday bug, be it for Christmas or New Year.

While you're taking a break from studies/work, please do spend a little bit of time to support (sign) this campaign, and also to FORWARD the information below to all your friends, family, colleagues....EVERYONE!

During the Conference on Education Malaysia 2010 organised by La Salle Centre in May, a campaign was launched to promote a student-centric education system, one where students' views are given due consideration in matters affecting them (English or Malay, History or not, PMR or UPSR etc).

This campaign is helmed by the Malaysian Lasallian Formation Team (FT), led by the Malaysian Lasallian Youth Commision (MLYC).

The objectives of this campaign are:

- to gain endorsement from 25,000 Malaysians who believe that the views of students need to be taken into consideration for their best interest.

- on 16 April 2011, a youth forum will be held to discuss on Malaysian educational issues and come up with recommendations for the education system.

- on 15 May 2011 (Malaysian National Youth Day), a report containing the recommendations will be submitted to the Ministry of Education, Malaysia

The purpose of this campaign goes beyond encouraging people to listen to the students in terms of education. It is hoped that further long-term benefits will also be achieved.

When others listen, students will be more empowered to speak up and to give their opinions. Encouraging students to articulate their views will lead to a culture of analytical and critical thinking, which is a much-needed skill for students to become leaders of tomorrow (or even today!).

We have approximately 80 delegates for each convention. With 20 conventions under La Salle Centre’s belts, we could have 1,330 (70 x 19) signatures from delegates alone.

With approximately 1,000 students in each Lasallian school, and 15 Lasallian schools all over Malaysia, we could have 15,000 (1000 x 15) signatures from Lasallian students alone.

After that we only need 8,670 more signatures to reach that targeted 25,000.

If each Lasallian student asked 0.5 family member to join in, we would reach our target in no time! (of course, friends, family, teachers… are very much needed to help make this campaign a success, not just 0.5. ;P )

So, in this season of giving, do lend your name for a good cause and spread the word, and to all current students, do get EVERYONE in your schools to sign our petition in January!

Please visit www.voicesofstudents.wordpress.com for more information. The online petition can be found at http://www.petitiononline.com/VOSLU/petition.html.

And as 2011 knocks on our door, let us open the door and say ‘Yes, we can!’