Tadika Senyuman Manja was founded by teacher Lata Rajoo, who’s made it her life’s purpose to ensure that no child be left behind.
Coming from a challenging upbringing, the Klang native revealed: “It was tough for me to pursue my own studies back then, so that experience inspired me to become a teacher,” the Klang native revealed, adding that she has been teaching for 26 years.
In the early days, the kindergarten was located in a plantation estate, and Lata would personally pick up the children from Kapar town, driving several kilometres over rough terrain just to get them to class.
“At that time, I had no support. We started by charging RM30 in fees, then RM50, and eventually RM100 – but not everyone could afford to pay,” she recalled.
Still, the kindergarten pressed on. So, what kept it afloat?
“Back then, I worked part-time at a car wash after school. I saved whatever I could. I also gave tuition in the evenings. On weekends and during school holidays, I took on other jobs,” she said.
All the money she earned went towards keeping the kindergarten going.
“I often went without eating. I didn’t even have money for petrol to get back home to Klang, so I would sleep at the kindergarten for days.”
A couple of years ago, the kindergarten was relocated to Kapar. And after receiving support and media coverage from Unicef in 2013, things began looking up.
Around five years ago, they began receiving funding from MITRA, the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit.
Walk into the kindergarten today and you’ll be met with bright smiles and well-behaved children, all eager to learn.
Alongside Lata, two dedicated teachers help run the kindergarten, where most lessons are taught in Tamil. Despite nearby Tamil schools offering free education, this kindergarten remains full, with around 50 children.
“Many parents come to us on their own. When they see a child doing well in Standard 1, they’ll ask, ‘Which tadika did they go to?’ – and the answer is often Tadika Senyuman Manja,” Lata said proudly.
Twenty-four-year-old Nishanthi Murugan, who has been teaching at the kindergarten for six years, shared: “I want the students who leave this kindergarten to be the best they can be. I put in 100% effort to make that happen.”
Lata, who earned her Master’s in Early Childhood Education two years ago, shared that they constantly update the syllabus and use a variety of engaging activities, and play-based methods.
“These children in Kapar definitely need the support because many of their parents lack education, and don’t place much importance on it,” she said.
Although grateful for support from MITRA and other NGOs, Lata said they were just scraping by.
From stationery to electricity, water, maintenance, and food – all are provided by the kindergarten. For extra activities and competitions, the costs often come out of the teachers’ own pockets.
Recently, a TikTok video about the kindergarten posted by Suthan Mookiah from MAATRAM (Majlis Lembaga Pengelola Sekolah-Sekolah Tamil Malaysia) went viral. This prompted kind members of the public to donate an air-conditioner.
Unfortunately, just days ago, the kindergarten’s air-conditioner compressor was stolen, and several other items as well. A police report was lodged.
“The children didn’t even get to enjoy the AC. I was really devastated the moment I walked into the tadika. I just went blank for a second,” Lata recalled.
With safety now a major concern, installing CCTVs has become a priority – but funding remains a constant hurdle. As for adding a playground for the children, that dream now feels even further out of reach.
“I’ve struggled a lot and thought many times about leaving this field. But when I see the kids, I tell myself, even if I don’t achieve much, I want to dedicate my remaining days to educating children from our community.
“Until I die, I want to keep teaching so that wherever I go, our children will be educated,” Lata said.
If you can help, contact Lata Rajoo at 010-200 5751.
Tadika Senyuman Manja
46, Jalan Hamzah Alang 30
Taman Intan 7
42200 Kapar
Selangor