International Day @AISK

When we have school going children while trailing our spouses on their tour of duty at the various missions, life can be a little bit challenging. The children have to undergo lots of adjustments. But most crucial is us or we, the mothers who most of the times will have to make sacrifices for the sake and well being of them - our loved ones :))

First, to acclimatize with the new weather which is very different from what we used to in our homeland. We have to bear with the new wardrobes and make adjustments with the new life style to suit with the new place we are residing. In our case, from the tropics to the vast dune and desert land that sometimes during summer season, the temperature soared to more than 45 degrees Celcius.

Secondly, our children will have to adjust to their new school system, new place, new time zone, new uniform, new friends, new teachers and new languages. Thus, to get themselves adjust to the new environment requires encouragement and lots of patience from us - the parents! In particular, when they are in their kindergarten. 

Thirdly, we as DS and mothers of the first timer diplomats must learn fast in the new environment for purposes of smooth running of the family matters. For example, although there are school bus services provided in most posting places, but it is wise for us to learn how to drive at least from our home to the schools which our children went. It is also convenient for us to send them to places, if they are invited or wish to go to their friend's house for some discussions, parties or slumber nights.  

The other common thing for new school going children at new schools is to be told to take part in International Day organized by their schools. It was an annual event where the schools are proud to share the students' talents, their different background, multi and diversified cultures of the students' respective   countries to those who came to visit the school on that special day. Hence, my children were of no exception.

But, we were very proud to share and to showcase our beloved nation's multi cultures and traditions to friends from other countries during the big International Day event at the American International School in Kuwait. At that time, our young Mr RDR was only five years old and attended the KG2 Class under Mrs Qabandi. 

Apart from preparing some Malaysian traditional foods in the booth such as satay and the tasty gravy made of  groundnuts to be shared by his teachers and friends, we also prepared some traditional desserts such as buah Melaka, kuih lapis and agar-agar. At one corner of the booth, we also placed some brochures and pamphlets for all visitors to our booth about our beautiful country and all the places to visit in Malaysia. Indeed, it was a special experience where we promote our country to the local Kuwaitis and other friends. We hope through this concerted efforts more tourists will visit Malaysia and also to boost the tourism industry. 

In sum, the introduction of an International Day in all International schools provides a positive impact to not only the students of the said schools, but it also extends to their parents, other students, teachers and the local  community. It also promotes and upholds the good name of the country which takes part in the event to the outside world!