Resolve school dropout rate, urge education activists

The Star

3 days ago

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's school dropout rate must be ­add­ressed amid the country's bid to make secondary education ­com­pul­sory, say education acti­vists.
The government should look into why students drop out and remove barriers that keep them away from school, said Malaysian Council for Child Welfare adviser Datuk Dr Raj Abdul Karim.
She said some young people leave school early due to problems such as financial hardship, lack of transportation or even discrimination.
Dr Raj suggested that the government provide financial aid and school transport to those in need.
To ensure access to schools, she proposed that bridges be built for those who need to cross over ­rivers to get to school.
Yesterday, the Education (Amend­ment) Bill was tabled in Dewan Rakyat for first reading.
Its seeks to make secondary education compulsory in Malay­sia.
Parents whose children are Malaysians must ensure their offspring attend school throughout this period, or risk being fined up to RM5,000 or jailed up to six months or both.
Dr Raj said that schools should also be encouraged to provide holistic education that includes personal development and not only focus on academics.
'This can help students develop broader thinking and better coping skills when facing challenges that might otherwise cause them to drop out,' she said.
Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education chairman Mak Chee Kin said counselling should be provided for students who have been missing classes.
'Since schools already report attendance to the district or state offices, why not intervene earlier?' he asked.
'Loss of interest in school is often due to language barriers, such as students struggling with the medium of instruction,' he said.
Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said schooling could be a financial burden for the marginalised.
Furthermore, she said a curri­culum that overlooks the culture or language of a student could often lead to disengagement and higher dropout rates.
Referring to underserved communities, she said some schools may be under-resourced or culturally disconnected from the indigenous ways of life of these groups.
As such, she urged educators and community leaders to engage with diverse communities res­pect­fully and effectively.
'The government can work with councils or NGOs to provide transport, meals, uniforms, school supplies and hostels,' she added.