-NiE ,
ADVANCED Novel
9 AUGUST 2017
Carving a new path
MINFONG HO’S Sing to the Dawn is about Dawan, a young Thai village girl. After learning that she has been placed first on a government examination, which earns her a scholarship, she is very excited. Her dream of studying in a city school is about to come true. But her brother, Kwai, who comes in second in the same examination, is very disappointed. He had been hoping to win the scholarship himself and is resentful that it should go to his sister. Not just that, Dawan’s father does not believe in having girls further their studies. Dawan is, however, determined to fulfil her dream. She seeks the support of others, including her timid mother, a Buddhist monk, a flower girl named Bao and a cousin who has lived in the city. Her grandmother also provides much needed encouragement. Despite the many obstacles that stand in her way, Dawan remains strong. She eventually breaks down her father’s resistance and also receives her brother’s blessing.
NiE Activity 1 Critical thinking ● Identify
● Reason
Creative thinking ● Brainstorm
● Connect
Problem solving ● Question
In the novel, Dawan fights for her right to education. In the end, we see her begin her journey towards her goal. The right to education should be available to everyone.
● Present
Communicating ● Oral ● Written
● Aural
Collaborating ● Listen
● Attain goal
● Contribute respectfully
In groups of four, read the following extract, which is taken from an article in The Star about juveniles who are continuing their education in prison.
I DID not think I would get to continue studying when they sent me to prison. “Actually, I did not even want to study,” says 21-year old Viknesh* who is under remand for murder and currently placed in Kajang Prison. He has been sitting behind bars since December 2015. He was enrolled in Sekolah Integriti two months later. The school, located within the prison, provides formal education to prepare juvenile inmates for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations. After nine months of lessons from a team of dedicated teachers, Viknesh sat for the national examination and was the top scorer in the school with straight As in all seven subjects. Armed with his SPM certificate but with not much chance of leaving prison anytime soon, Viknesh says he wants to pursue his diploma in business management, offered by Open University Malaysia for prison inmates. – The Star, July 9, 2017
If Viknesh (not his real name) finishes his jail sentence and completes his diploma, what jobs do you think he could get when he is released from prison? On a sheet of A4 paper, list down three jobs that Viknesh could work at. Alternatively, name three companies that would be likely to employ him. Cut out at least one of these jobs from The Star and paste it on the paper. On the same paper, write down five qualities that you think are important for Viknesh to have in order to be employed after he is released. Take turns to present your work in class.
NiE Activity 2 Critical thinking ● Identify
● Reason
Creative thinking ● Brainstorm
● Connect
Problem solving ● Question
● Present
Communicating ● Oral
● Written
Collaborating ● Listen
● Attain goal
● Contribute respectfully
Dawan’s grandmother is a source of encouragement for Dawan. The following is an excerpt from the novel.
Dawan looked timidly at her father and this time their eyes met and interlocked. There was a long pause, then he spat out, “You took your own brother’s chance away from him!” He flung down the hammer he had been holding, and stalked away to the rice-fields. The grandmother, mother and daughter all watched him stride away… For a while no one stirred, then the grandmother, putting a palm flat on each knee, slowly straightened up from her tree stump, and walked with slow careful steps over to Dawan. “Child,” she said, touching her granddaughter’s hand lightly, “I’m proud of you.”
In groups of four, scan The Star for four people whom you think would be most likely to encourage Dawan in her pursuit of education. Cut out their pictures and paste them on a sheet of A4 paper. Write down a reason for each of your choices next to the pictures. Describe how these people can be supportive of Dawan. Display your work on the classroom noticeboard and take turns to view it.
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