School for hardcore poor proves government's seriousness in eradicating poverty - Expert

KUALA LUMPUR - The government's desire to introduce a new type of school specifically for students from hardcore poor families proves its seriousness in eradicating poverty.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Centre of Education and Diversity senior lecturer Dr Anuar Ahmad, however, said that targeted actions need to be done first by the Ministry of Education (MOE) such as building quality hostels in each school before establishing the institution.

"We know that poverty will cause drop out problem, academic decline, lack of learning facilities at home and it is seen as the main factor in educational failure.

"Therefore, the government's proposal would be more practical and effective if there are better and quality hostels with various facilities to attract their interest," he told Bernama when contacted today.

He said hostel living could also help shape the student's personality not only through learning, but also through communication between the students who are made up of various backgrounds, races and religions.

Anuar also suggested that the government develop special programmes in schools nationwide with certain funds for the students from poor families.

"For example, there are poor students who are interested in sports, how can schools help them through special programmes to achieve success in those fields instead of us building special schools for them.

"This is to avoid any perception and labelling that can cause psychological effects on students," he added.

Meanwhile, National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) president Aminuddin Awang said the MOE could also think of other methods to increase their interest in learning.

"Skills should also be emphasised and not focusing only on subjects.

"Usually when we talk about the issue of poverty, we often focused on those who live in rural areas. Let's not forget that there are also urban poor groups and hopefully the government can also look at this group," he said.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the introduction of the new type of school will be based on the framework of science-based secondary and fully residential schools (SBPs) catered for the target group.

He emphasised that everyone should have access to equal educational opportunities so that no group is left out of the democratisation of quality of education. - BERNAMA