KUALA LUMPUR: The kind act of two Primary 1 pupils helping their special needs classmate unfasten his belt to go to the toilet and waiting for him outside the door before heading to class together has captured the hearts of social media users.
In a posting, Sylvester Ronny Pulene, who teaches at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Kapit in Sarawak, said he stumbled upon the trio while on his way to class after recess yesterday.
"Two of them were helping to unbuckle the belt of the other boy, whom I will call 'J'. They also helped to adjust his uniform after he was done.
"Then they walked hand in hand back to their class while laughing happily," he wrote.
Sylvester said J, a special needs child, was his former preschool pupil. He said J has speech problems and was still unable to manage himself.
"What makes me proud is that he has friends who are concerned for him. Sometimes his friends even queue for him at the canteen to take the school's Supplementary Food Programme meal.
"He is a very friendly boy, despite being different from other pupils.
"They are all only seven-years-old and yet, they have devoted their full attention to caring for him," he said.
Sylvester's post has, at press time, garnered 13,400 likes and 8,400 shares.
The boys' kind gesture earned praise from netizens.
Mimi Hairani said: "These children are sending the message that love and empathy exists. Thank you to these children and those who have taught them or shaped them to be good people. The world needs them."
Melly Limbuis Miah commented that the boys are the type of pupils and friends that people need.
"They are the best. Not those who laugh when they see a friend who cannot manage himself."
Shirley Chialoo Eng wrote: "May God bless these children. Such kind boys! May their friendship last forever."
Cikgu Azila shared:" (I) feel like crying. All of you are great. Continue (doing this) until you are older."
Nordin Masood said: "Alhamdulillah. Such noble characters. Congratulations to their parents for instilling the value of helping others."
