School children, teachers applaud formation of Criminalise War Club

Teachers and students from Cempaka International Ladies' College (CILC) have applauded the idea and formation Criminalise War Club in their school.

Founded by Tun Dr Siti Hasmah, the club will be a platform for advocacy among the younger generation to end wars and to criminalise its perpetrators.

Here are the reactions from teachers and students at CILC:

Amielah Kasmani, Teacher

Our school is going to be the pioneer of this club. We need to educate the children of the future. This is one of the best ways for the students to understand such a matter.

When I am here to listen to all these professors telling us what they have do so far for the world, it really touched my heart. It made me realised how much one person can contribute to all these cause and to allow all of us to be heard.

Faria Chughdai, Teacher

We need to tell people that we have a responsibility to our own people and our country. We also have responsibilities as citizens of the world. Part of that responsibility is to give others the same safety that we enjoy

Such clubs should be set up in other countries. it is great to know that it is starting somewhere and it is starting in Malaysia. It is hoped that this will grow and evolve into something big.

Tehmina Kaoosji, Teacher

I hope it translates to practical actions like a forum where schoolboys and schoolgirls come together to express their opinion not just about war but also the important fact that women and children are treated so badly and inhumanely during wars. It is a social issue that needs to be addressed.

Let's see what we can do through practical things like a petition or competitions, which perhaps will keep us in contact with organisations that will listen to the students and initiate healthy debates.

Amanda Tiew, 17 years old, Year 12

I am excited for it. I think this sill give us a chance to understand where the kids are coming from. In this 21st century, technology has kept us connected and at the same disconnected in how we are so comfortable. At least through this, we are able empathise with the kids.

I think we could raise awareness, try to send care parcels, create as many fundraisers as possible and to provide the supplies they really need.

Poh Lyn, 17 years old, Year 12

I look forward to working with different schools in Malaysia or outside of Malaysia to raise awareness about this amazing programme. We are grateful for what is going on in our lives right now but at the same, these things (wars) happen. What I want to do right now is to give back as much as I can in my own ability. We will be going on a trip to Cambodia soon, so I hope that we will be able to give back then.

Mirren Kaur, 17 years old, Year 13

It is a good opportunity for young people like us to be exposed to such a subject. Young children like us tend to focus so much on academic that we do not expose ourselves to these things. It is not something we often talked about but we actually should. More light should be given on such a matter and for us to really be able to talk about it and get more information. By having conferences and this club, it will open our eyes to these issues.

Marissa Iman, 14 years old, Junior One

We need to learn to empathise and with this club, it will broaden our knowledge on this and help kids our age from around the world. When I watch CNN or on the internet, it hurts so much to be looking at pictures of dead girls and boys younger than me. That is why I am concern about this issue and I hope this club will help me to get more information.