Long tribute to a social worker and teacher
Ahmad Ibrahim
Ahmad Ibrahim, 78, social worker and teacher, passed away on the 14th of January 2014 in his hometown of Malacca, Malaysia. His death was a result of complications from pneumonia in his old age. His wife, Siti Idah, his sons Anwar and Aziz Ibrahim and 3 grandchildren survive him.
Born on 25th April 1936, in the quiet town of Malacca, Ahmad was the only child to parents Hussein Ibrahim and Maryam Ismail. He shared a close relationship with both his parents.
A deeply spiritual man, Ahmad’s father, a schoolteacher, spent his free-time serving to the community in various educational and social causes. As a young boy, Ahmad did not understand his father’s charitable work. However, the premature passing of his father, when Ahmad was 18, brought about a distinct change in his outlook.
Following his father’s footsteps, Ahmad pursued teaching as a career. Yet, he soon realised that his real passion lay in helping abandoned and abused children. What started off as fortnightly visits to shelters and orphanages, eventually evolved into a deeper commitment to fighting for the welfare of forsaken children. In a time where social work was seen as nothing more than volunteerism, Ahmad made the decision to quit his stable job as a teacher and become a social worker.
In 1960, he was given charge of Muhammadiya Orphanage. Not content with simply doing what was set out for him, Ahmad fought hard to make administrative and legislative changes. A deeply religious man himself, Ahmad believed in a society where various cultures and belief systems were not only respected, but also embraced. No one was ever denied help, regardless of their class, ethnicity or religious beliefs. With his steadfast dedication and revolutionary ideas, he made real changes to impact the lives of hundreds of children. In time, Ahmad was offered a prominent position as the Head of National Council of Child Welfare Services. Turning down this lucrative position, and many more like it, Ahmad stayed true to his real focus, working directly with people who needed his help the most. “Ahmad put his heart into what he did, it was more than just a job for him, it was his life pursuit,” said Mr. John Teo, a long time friend and colleague of Ahmad.
Ahmad was fortunate to have had a wonderful family of his own. His wife, Madam Siti Idah warmly remembers, “Ahmad used to teach at the school beside our home. I used to see him daily, talking to the children. He was always so patient with them”. Madam Idah and Ahmad eventually married in 1960, and were soon blessed with 2 sons. Notwithstanding their limited means, Ahmad’s compassion and generosity extended into his home, where he welcomed everyone with unsurpassed warmth and hospitality. “We constantly had visitors, be it someone who needed Pa’s help, or those who just wanted to have some of Ma’s excellent food. Everyone was always welcome,” remarked Aziz.
Magnanimity and sincerity were virtues that Ahmad lived his life by. He leaves behind a loving family and a rich legacy of community work. One that will continue to inspire those who knew him and what he stood for.
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