It was with a sense of pride that I read Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye’s letter, ‘Finally, Mission Schools Get Recognition’ (STAR, Letters to the Editor, Tuesday, 24 February 2009).
Being a product of two local missionary schools myself, I can’t help but be appreciative to the missionaries who established these schools in our country.
These missionaries who initially left their homelands to venture thousands of miles with the vision and mission of setting up educational establishments which cater to the needs of the youth of that time do deserve a standing ovation.
When Malaysia gained its independence, however, missionary schools were sidelined to a certain extent and many will not know that the missionaries who were working with such great determination and dedication were actually receiving half the pay of their counterparts in government schools.
How many of today’s teachers treat their job as a vocation and would willingly give up half of their salary to carry on in the profession? It is because of their selflessness that the missionaries have been able to nurture the minds of the youth of their time with marvellous values.
To all missionaries in the education field in Malaysia who are still alive today, thank you!
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