by Rahim Said
In a world where school graduations have morphed into opulent hotel affairs, parents are left questioning whether this grandiose celebration is truly worth the extravagant price tag.
Adrea Abdul’s poignant critique reported by a daily newspaper recently unveils a disturbing trend where the essence of academic achievement is overshadowed by the glittering facade of lavish graduation ceremonies.
Beyond the financial strain, Andrea, a parent, sheds light on the unrealistic burden placed on families with multiple children, prompting a reconsideration of the fairness in such demands.
The escalation of graduation ceremonies to opulent hotel affairs, adorned with exorbitant fees, not only accentuates financial stress but also perpetuates the notion that a school’s prestige is linked to the grandiosity of its celebrations.
Adrea’s comparison of the RM200 charge for a child’s graduation to a celebrity red carpet event underscores the growing detachment from the core purpose of education.
As Adrea’s skepticism extends to the motive behind hosting these events in hotels, it prompts a deeper reflection on whether turning academic accomplishments into theatrical productions serves any genuine educational purpose.
The rising costs, accompanied by WhatsApp notifications reminding parents of unpaid fees, further add an unnecessary layer of pressure to an already challenging parenting journey.
Adrea’s plea for education authorities to reconsider extravagant venues and the Ministry of Education to intervene resonates with parents grappling with the choice between celebrating their child’s achievement and navigating financial strains.
The call for consultation before selecting venues emphasises the need for a more inclusive approach, acknowledging the diverse financial capacities of families.
In a world where the cost of education already places a significant burden on families, Adrea’s message serves as a compelling reminder that the focus should remain on the educational journey.
A graduation ceremony should not become an exclusive spectacle but a meaningful milestone accessible to all, ensuring that hard-earned money is invested in a child’s future rather than a fleeting moment of opulence.
Dr Rahim Said, who goes by a pseudonym of Mihar Dias, an anadrome of his given name, is a human behaviourist and a regular contributor on digital media platforms. He is a professional management consultant, a corporate trainer, and an executive coach specialising in coaching of senior executives and individual entrepreneurs with the purpose of modifying their behaviour in the pursuit of their cherished missions.
WE