The Lamp

by Rashid Ngah

A Call to Support Salim's Future

In this video, we have a story of Salim, a boy from a poor fishing family who was excited to pursue his education however his dreams lost when the fire burnt their house. Salim tried to fix that by creating his own lamp to study at night, but the lamp caused a fire accidentally, which left his family crying in the valley of despair due to a financial nightmare. It urges the masses, government, NGOs, and political entities to unite and offer financial assistance, such as scholarships, aid, and donations, to allow the family of Salim to start over and for him to pursue his studies. The relevance of global challenges is highlighted, connecting Salim’s story to global issues, especially the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like No Poverty, Quality Education, and Reduced Inequalities. This video shows how the immediate call to action and assisting Salim will not only contribute towards these SDGs, but how this can encourage all of us to uplift children in the same situation be the agents who will be the hope of a better future.

READER RESPONSE

A powerful story unfolds in *The Lamp* by A. Rashid Ngah, exploring themes of hardship and hope. The story follows Salim as he tries to balance his desire for an education with his family’s daily struggles. Ngah uses the image of a lamp to represent both Salim’s dreams and the tough reality he faces. Through this symbol, the author highlights the sacrifices that poverty can demand and the lengths someone might go to for a brighter future.

Salim’s dedication to learning, even in such difficult times, strongly resonates with me. His challenges are ones that many of us can relate to. His journey reflects the universal drive to improve ourselves and chase our dreams, despite the obstacles in our path. However, the lamp also shows the fragile nature of hope when faced with hardship; Salim’s attempt to create his own lamp leads to a tragic outcome. This reminds us that, in tough times, even our best intentions can sometimes lead to unexpected consequences.

This story deeply affects me because it presents ambition and sacrifice in a way that feels real and relatable. Salim’s character brings to mind young people everywhere who dream of a better life but are held back by difficult circumstances. Ngah’s portrayal of Salim’s relationship with his mother also shows how poverty can create strain within families and impact personal dreams.

After reading *The Lamp*, I reflect on the importance of family support, especially for young people chasing their dreams. The story reveals the delicate balance between holding onto hope and facing the limitations of difficult circumstances. It inspires me to think about how I can confront my own challenges, while also recognizing the importance of resilience and empathy in helping others through their journeys.