JA' AFAR bin Mohamad Som (Haji)
Communities of Singapore (Part 3),
Accession Number 000807
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 17
Total Reels
- Mohd Yussoff Ahmad
Interviewer
- 07:59:14
Total Running Time
- Malay
Language
Copyright Notice
All rights to the recordings and transcripts on this website, including the rights to copy, publish, broadcast and perform, are reserved. Written permission is required for any use. If you have any queries, please contact nas@nlb.gov.sg
Reel/Disc 1 of 17
Metadata
- 23 Feb 1987
Recording Date
- 00:28:09
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Personal background. Father came from Indonesia to Singapore, worked as a rubber tapper, and then as stone breaker on Pulau Ubin. Kampung Air Gemuroh, in the early days, made up of shacks along the beach. Children played wooden cars, marbles, tops, football, kites and jong (miniature ships). Mothers made children return home by evening for fear of ghosts.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 2 of 17
Metadata
- 23 Feb 1987
Recording Date
- 00:28:40
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Joget a popular pastime. Watched Chinese wayang too at end of kampung. Mandi Safar a popular festival. Youngsters have picnics along the beach. Interviewee's family bathed in water, submerged with papers in Jawi writing. Baju kurong and new shoes worn during Hari Raya. Children walked bare-footed toschool. No school uniforms. Most girls did not go to school.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 3 of 17
Metadata
- 23 Feb 1987
Recording Date
- 00:28:04
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Upbringing of children left to mothers. Fathers concerned with earning livelihood. When free, fathers preferred to play cards or sit in coffee-shops. 'Gotong royong' spirit before weddings. Kampung people cut bamboo to make tents; gave rice, eggs, onions, chillies and other foodstuffs to the wedded families. Went to school at Padang Terbakar. School had 2 teachers and over 90 students. Subjects taught.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 4 of 17
Metadata
- 23 Feb 1987
Recording Date
- 00:28:49
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Teachers punished errant children. After completing Primary 4, continued studying at school in Siglap up to Primary 5. Took final examination at Kampung Glam School. Those who passed became trainee teachers, while those who failed became policemen, labourers or fishermen. School holidays based on Muslim calendar such as fasting month.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 5 of 17
Metadata
- 24 Feb 1987
Recording Date
- 00:28:57
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Malay attitudes to life and education: no aim in life. Those with high ambitions for their children were made a laughing stock. Became a trainee teacher at Tanah Merah. Students were friends of same age group. School principal and school inspector had good opinions of his work.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 6 of 17
Metadata
- 24 Feb 1987
Recording Date
- 00:29:51
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Accepted into Tanjong Malim Teachers' College, Malaya. Father went to pawnshop to buy sarongs, shirts, pants and mattress for him. Took train journey at Tanjong Pagar. At college, stayed in hostel. Strict discipline. Hostel duties. Daily routine. Students must greet teachers they meet by raising their hands.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 7 of 17
Metadata
- 24 Feb 1987
Recording Date
- 00:28:07
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Subjects taught, 5 in a day. Extra-curricular activities like Scouts, Red Cross and woodwork. Not allowed to talk during sleeping time. Involved in drama activities at end of every year. Trainee teachers from Singapore were outstanding, compared to others.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 8 of 17
Metadata
- 24 Feb 1987
Recording Date
- 00:29:55
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Joined Fire Brigade Volunteer group. Singaporean lecturer, Harun, encouraged trainee teachers to work hard to improve conditions of Malays. Trainees not taught English, and had to learn it secretly. No specialised subjects but received a well-rounded education. Not enough medical facilities.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 9 of 17
Metadata
- 25 Feb 1987
Recording Date
- 00:28:06
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
How trainees were in a happy mood on eve of holidays. Singaporean students returned home. During holidays, revised weak subjects. Did not mix with kampung boys. Kampung folks showed no interest in his studies. Good rapport between lecturers and trainees. Favourite teacher was Harun Amin who was identified as a nationalist and sent to Brunei.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 10 of 17
Metadata
- 25 Feb 1987
Recording Date
- 00:28:21
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Trainees nervously awaited third year examinations. Prepared themselves with holy words from Quran. Farewell party before trainees returned home. Sent to Tanah Merah School with monthly salary of $30. Organised a campfire for students but villagers did not appreciate it. Villagers contributed towards school fund but were not interested in children's education.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
