THE GLOBAL PEN

Interview by Dr Marina Nani

Meet our Amazing Young Achiever – Alvira! A global citizen in the true sense, Alvira has travelled to and studied in America, India and the United Kingdom. She has been regularly awarded not just for her academic achievements but has also excelled in karate as the youngest student in her karate school in America. Alvira bagged a gold medal when she participated in a karate championship in India. At the age of 9, she became a Cub Columnist for a leading educational newspaper in India. Sovereign Magazine is proud to interview Alvira Moledina in the Children’s Special issue.

You have a lovely name Alvira. Do you know what it means?

Thank you. It means “most loved.” My mum loves me most so she named me Alvira.

Tell us more about your writings as a Cub Columnist?

I love all birds and animals very much. Every month, I write an article on different topics. Many people think that birds and animals do not have feelings. Since we have a pet cat, I know that she understands whatever we say like the way humans do. I want people to be kind to birds and animals.

You were the youngest in your school to receive a ‘Golden Pen Licence.’ Would you like to tell us more about it?

In my old school, I was in Year 3, when my head teacher gave me a Golden Pen Licence. Children usually get a simple license before they can start using a pen instead of a pencil. A Golden Pen Licence is only given in senior classes if students write well. My head teacher said I had exceptionally good handwriting and I was the first to receive it in Year 3. He also told me to design a new pen licence for the school.

What was it like schooling in the three different countries?

I liked all my schools in all the three countries. I remember my teacher Miss LuAnn from America. She was always very loving and my was favourite teacher. In India, we had much homework and my school bag was very heavy even in Year 1. I had many friends there and I miss my head teacher Sister Diana and teacher Miss Priya a lot. Here in the UK, I love my school, my head teacher and all my teachers. We have many activities and lessons are made very interesting. We learn a lot through class lessons, play and experiments.

Could you tell us more about ‘MumPa Magic’?

I call my mum MumPa because she is my mum as well as my Pa. My mum never gets scared. She is really brave even if it’s dark. She always wakes up before me every day and has never been late to pick me up from school. She tells me to make sure I carry my swimming kit, reading record and homework books. On days I forget to do so, I still find my kit and the books in my bag because of MumPa Magic. She does all the work and gets me all I need. She does not allow me long hours on my iPad or TV, instead asks me riddles while cooking and plays our favourite game ‘Four In A Row.’

Do you have a message for other children?

Yes, I would like to tell all children never to feel sad about what they don’t have but to feel happy about what they have. Children should speak to an adult if something or someone continues to hurt them in any way. Teachers, adults and organisations like the NSPCC are always there to help. Also, be kind to animals.