Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email Girl, 7, gets her wish to go to school By : Kamachy Habimanan
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/National/20070512081523/Article/index_html
JOHOR BARU: At 7.30am yesterday, K. Raghathiswary stepped into a new world called school.
Although it was five months late in coming, the seven-year-old’s first day in primary one was a joyous one.
She walked confidently into Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Tamil Taman Tun Aminah with aunt R. Tamilarasi, 31, and was at home in a matter of minutes.
Raghathiswary was soon making up for lost time by introducing herself to her classmates.
The teachers and students of Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Tamil Taman Tun Aminah also helped by making her feel welcome. Also on hand were officials from the state education department who came to ensure her admission went on without hiccups.
It had been a difficult road to education for Raghathiswary who had repeatedly been refused admission by several schools because of problems related to her birth certificate.
At first, it was because she did not have the document as her parents had not been legally married.
Her father, R. Kanagasundram, 30, then managed to obtain a birth certificate but it did not contain his name.
But things began moving after the New Straits Times highlighted her plight on Thursday.
Officials from the department were directed by State Education director Mokhy Saidon to contact the family and resolve the problem.
Mokhy was happy that Ragathiswary’s problem had been solved.
“I wish Raghathiswary the best and hope she will excel in her studies,” he added.
Headmaster K. Pubalan said Raghathiswary did not have to worry about being behind in her studies.
“Her teachers have been told to assist Raghathiswary in catching up with her classmates,” he added.
Tamilarasi thanked the department for allowing her niece to start school.
“My niece has been looking forward to this day.”
