On January 11, 2008 emotions ran high as we bid farewell to Noor Hazira Binti Yaakob, our senior educator who helped to shape the education curriculum and creative activities at Rumah Aman.

Fondly known as Teacher Zira by the staff and children, she served for almost three years and would have in her own words “…continue to serve the children..” if her hand was not asked in marriage and if she had not have to follow her husband to Terengganu – a state in the East Coast of Peninsula Malaysia.

With tears freely flowing down her cheeks, teacher Zira asked for forgiveness from the children “dari hujung rambut ke hujung kaki” (from head to toe) if she had somehow mistreated them or scolded them or raised her voice in a manner which was unacceptable in the course of teaching and educating them.

In her farewell speech, she also thanked her fellow educators for their co-operation and hoped that they will continue to serve the children in the best of their ability for the pleasure of Allah. She also thanked them for sharing their knowledge and experience with her.

“The children have left a lasting impopresion on me and I will cherish the time I’ve spent at Rumah Aman,” she said adding that she was very grateful that Rumah Aman gave her an opportunity to serve at a time when she was unemployed and was supporting three younger sisters.

Noor Hazira who hails from the northern state of Kedah, holds a Bachelor of Art and Design (Ceramics) from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor. She was an attachment teacher who taught at a primary public school before her contract expired in December 2004. She joined Rumah Aman in July 2005.

Founder of Rumah Aman, Abdul Rehman Dakri in his speech, recalled that Teacher Zira is the first official educator at Rumah Aman and thanked her for her unselfish contribution especially in educating the children to learn how to read, write and count besides instilling good manners in them.

He said Teacher Zira did not only confine her role as an educator but was always willing to help others when her help was needed and sometimes volunteered her services without being asked. She also stayed on after work holding night classes for the school going children and organised extra classes on weekends on her own accord to help those who were slow in their studies.

“You are a model teacher and I hope others will follow your footsteps,” he said, holding back his tears while adding that Rumah Aman was blessed to have Teacher Zira who helped look into the education aspects of the children.

Though we were sad of having to say goodbye to Teacher Zira but we were also happy for her. We wish her the best in her endeavours and may her marriage last a lifetime. May Allah bless her with many children and a serene and happy life.

Founder of Rumah Aman, Mehrunessa Dakri later presented Teacher Zira with a present from the Management of Rumah Aman, a certificate of appreciation from her fellow educators and a gift from the children to remember them by.

Teacher Zira,

Thank You from the bottom of our hearts. We will never forget you. We shall miss you dearly.

The children of Rumah Aman showed their prowess in sports with all of them highly motivated and competitive in securing the first place in all nine games competed.

The event which was held at about 8.30 am on December 26, 2007 exposed the children to teamwork, comradeship, strategy, loyalty and above all honesty in winning.

The children were divided into six teams of seven to eight athletes including adults comprising teachers, child minders, housekeeping and the management staff.

Two talents from a production house, Piperace Sdn Bhd. were also incorporated into two of the six teams as guest athletes since they were shooting Rumah Aman’s sports day as part of a programme for the national television station, TV1.

Mr. and Mrs. Astaf Taj Ahmad, volunteers of Rumah Aman were referees and coordinators for all games competed.

The Red Team led by Abdul Rehman Dakri was crowned winner of the games after collecting 35 points in total.

All teams received a hamper each and the contents which mainly consists of food, drinks, biscuits were devoured by the children immediately after the event which ended about 12.00 noon.