CCA Choices – A Parent’s Perspective

Mr Faezal Ibrahim spends time discussing with his children about their CCA.

“I like CCA because we study very hard and after school, it helps me get away from my studies,” says Mohamad Farezal Fadli Bin Faezal Ibrahim, who took up silat, a form of Malay martial arts, as his co-curricular activity (CCA).

His father concurs. “It’s an outlet for him to relieve stress,” says Mr Faezal Ibrahim.

As the 12 year-old boy is entering secondary school next year, both father and son have been discussing what CCAs Mohamad Farezal should take up. Some of the options they’ve explored: Silat, Air Rifle Club and uniformed groups. How did they narrow down their selection to these CCAs?

“I see what his strengths and likes are, and I encourage him towards that direction,” says Mr Faezal. He spends time talking to his children to discover what they like to do and the activities that pique their interest.

Just as he gave his elder daughter (already in secondary school) the freedom to choose her CCA, Mr Faezal also intends to let his son decide which CCA to join. He explains, “I believe if you like something and you choose to do it, you’ll tend to do well and even try to excel in it.” As a parent, he sees his role as guiding his children in their decision-making, helping them weigh the pros and cons, and pointing out any potential risks. Only when they are going down a clearly wrong path would he step in to stop them.

Mohamad Farezal enjoys his CCA, silat, which has not only made him fitter, but has also helped him to de-stress.

“Today’s children are different,” he adds. If you force them to do something, they’ll end up doing just the opposite. Don’t immediately say ‘no’ to their choices but listen to them and see things from their point of view. It’s also useful to research the internet, talk to the school or even your children’s friends.”

From experience, he also learnt that children tend to follow whatever CCA their friends join. So one shouldn’t be surprised if they end up changing their CCA for reasons such as falling out with their friends.

Nevertheless, Mr Faezal believes it is important for students to take part in CCAs. “I believe we need a balance. If you have a healthy mind but unhealthy body, it’s not going to be good for the child.

“The whole concept of CCA is to provide opportunities for children to develop their creative side, for them to socialise and bond with other people,” he remarks. “It’s also a way for them to develop skills like discipline and teamwork. It helps in the overall character-building of the child.” In the case of his son, Mohamad Farezal used to be plump but since he took up silat three years ago, he has lost some weight and become fitter.

As Mr Faezal points out, CCAs are integral to a holistic, well-rounded education and they help students develop qualities such as confidence, resilience and perseverance that will serve later in a competitive and ever-changing world.