KUALA LUMPUR – Schools should not dictate what students become, nor instil beliefs and ideas in students of what they assume to be right, said Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam.
The 17-year-old student-activist, who recently highlighted the rape culture in her school, said an ideal learning institution is one that allows its students to express themselves.
“My dream school will not indoctrinate its students, push a certain kind of ideology,” she said in a Facebook live discussion hosted by Khadijah Learning Centre today.
“It is a school that lets students explore and learn what is right and wrong, for them to have their own principles.”
Ain Husniza grabbed national attention two weeks ago when she exposed her teacher’s alleged rape joke in class.
While she has received overwhelming support since the incident, she has also endured criticism and rape threats, as well as comments calling her out over her attire and accusing her of attention-seeking.
However, Ain Husniza takes this all in her stride, saying the backlash has only amplified her passion in making schools a safer place for all
“For me, it’s about what is the right thing to do. Fortunately, I have enough inner strength to not falter because of the backlash.
“When I see other people telling me that they, too, have gone through a similar situation but didn’t get justice, it makes me wonder just how big of an issue this is in our society.”
What is baffling and disappointing, she said, is the Education Ministry’s lack of action regarding her case and in reaching out to her.
“Mum has always been strong for me and family”
In conjunction with Mother’s Day today, Ain Husniza has very high praise for her mother, Niza Sharifudin, who was present during the discussion.
The teenager said coming from a financially average family, her mother has always been strong in weathering any challenge that comes her way, adding that this is what inspired her to be who she is today.
“Sometimes, it is hard for us, especially when my father got sick. But my mother still went around looking for work, and even worked as a cleaner. Sometimes, she will come home sunburnt.
“She has always been strong. It is not easy taking care of five children, and I really look up to her for that.”
Returning the compliment, Niza said she could never be as brave and strong as her eldest daughter, Ain Husniza, seeing how the teenager is handling herself.
“I admit, I am especially concerned about her safety. I always wonder how, with the whole backlash, is Ain Husniza going to survive.
“But what is wrong, is wrong, and for that, I believe in her and support her.”
Niza said parents should always place their trust in their children, and have their backs when the going gets tough, such as in the case of her daughter.
“If they can’t come to you about things, then to whom should they speak? If parents don’t trust in their children, then in whom can they trust?” – The Vibes, May 9, 2021
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