Decades of quiet service: The school heroes who never got the recognition they deserved

SHAH ALAM - While teachers often take centre stage in shaping young minds, many behind-the-scenes workers quietly dedicate their lives to ensuring schools remain safe, welcoming and nurturing spaces.

This Labour Day, the stories of two long-serving school workers, a gardener and a security guard, highlight the dignity of labour and the deep sense of purpose found in everyday roles.

For 65-year-old Nadarajan Muniandy, the school compound at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Ladang Behrang River in Tanjung Malim was more than just a workplace; it was also his home.

Having served as a gardener for over 37 years, Nadarajan said his main responsibility was to ensure the school landscape remained clean, attractive and filled with life.

“My job was to keep the school beautiful and full of flowers. I love gardening and I always had my own ideas, even drawing on the school walls to make the place more cheerful,” he said.

Over the years, his efforts did not go unnoticed. He received multiple recognitions from the Perak Education Department for his dedication and creativity in maintaining the school environment.

But beyond the accolades, it was the relationships he built that mattered most.

“I had a very good relationship with the teachers, students and their parents. It felt more like a family because everyone knew each other,” he said, adding that he would sometimes help transport students to and from school when needed.

Nadarajan believes a well-maintained environment plays a crucial role in a child’s learning experience.

Nadarajan said his main responsibility was to ensure the school landscape remained clean, attractive and filled with life.

“Keeping the school clean and organised makes children happy. You can see the joy when they come to school,” he said.

After retiring in 2019, he transitioned into a completely different line of work as a taxi driver. Despite the change, his commitment to service remains unchanged.

“My job never really clocks out now. Sometimes I get calls from customers early in the morning to book a ride and I don’t hesitate. It’s about their safety, making sure they reach their destination safely,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Melaka, 67-year-old Narayanansamy Naidu Perumal, fondly known as Ramu, has spent nearly three decades safeguarding a school as a security guard.

With 27 years of experience in school security and an additional 18 years serving part-time with People's Volunteer Corps (Rela), Ramu’s daily routine is anything but light.

“I work about 12 hours every day. I cannot go a day without working. Even on my off days, I work part-time with Rela,” he said.

Despite the long hours, Ramu said he has never seen his role as a burden. Instead, it is something he has grown to take pride in, especially because it involves children.

“I find joy in guarding the school. I like taking care of the kids and making sure they are safe because parents are trusting us when they leave their children here,” he said.

For Ramu, every morning begins with a simple but important responsibility, ensuring the school environment is safe before students arrive. From checking entry points, observing surroundings and staying alert throughout the day, his presence is meant to offer reassurance to both students and parents.

Over the years, he has also become a familiar figure to generations of students and families, many of whom recognise him not just as a guard, but as part of the school’s extended community.

He said the job requires patience, discipline and constant alertness, especially when managing student movement during busy school hours.

“Sometimes children forget safety rules or run around, so we have to always be alert. It is not just about security, it is about care too,” he said.

Even after nearly three decades in the role, Ramu shows no signs of slowing down. The work, he said, gives him purpose - something to look forward to every day.

Narayanansamy Naidu Perumal, fondly known as Ramu, has spent nearly three decades safeguarding a school as a security guard.

“Working keeps me active. It makes me feel useful. As long as I am able, I will continue,” he said.

For both Nadarajan and Ramu, Labour Day is not just a date on the calendar, but a reflection of those who continue working quietly behind the scenes, ensuring others can live, learn and grow in safety.