Teacher’s ‘classic Hobby’ Sparks From Receiving Disabled Student's Raya Cards

MUAR, March 20 (Bernama) -- Receiving a Hari Raya Aidilfitri card from a student from the persons with disabilities (PWD) group sparked a teacher from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Taman Suria to start a collection of festive cards.

Hafizul Syarafi Mohd Noor, 36, a visual arts and Malay Language teacher, said it was even more touching that the Raya cards were made by the student since 2020.

He said that the student continued to send the greeting card every subsequent year.

"These cards are special because they are not bought from anywhere but specially made.

"These are unique Raya cards that I receive and keep, and until this year, I have collected around 400 cards from various individuals, organisations and dignitaries," he said when met by Bernama here.

Sharing his experience, Hafizul Syarafi said that besides the student, among the dignitaries who had sent him Raya cards were His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, as well as several Pahang and Terengganu royals.

He said he has also received greeting cards from several politicians and acquaintances from abroad, including Indonesia.

He said that in ensuring this 'classic hobby' does not fade away, he also shares the experience of this hobby with his students, emphasising that the 'sentimental value' of the cards and that this gesture should be appreciated.

"We need to appreciate gifts from others, and these Raya cards have their own historical value, in addition to respecting the Royal Institution and the distinguished individuals.

"By sending Raya cards, it can also educate the primary school students to be literate, articulate, and write kind and polite words to others. For me as an individual, besides collecting (cards), it also serves as a therapy that can be calming, while at the same time expanding my network.

"I will continue this hobby as long as I can as an effort to preserve the tradition of exchanging Raya greetings through cards, especially to the younger generation, about its vibrancy compared to now when many choose to do it online," he also said.

Hafizul Syarafi added that he is also grateful that his eldest son, Muhammad Athariz Hafiz, 8, has started to show the same interest as him by often helping him to open every Raya card received.

-- BERNAMA