RM100mil intervention programme to support students who have fallen behind
A robust intervention programme to tackle student dropout and to drive education reform will be launched next week.
A collaboration between the Education and Finance Ministries, the programme framework and strategy will adopt a “whole of nation” approach, underscoring the importance of addressing education challenges with multi-faceted effort from all sectors of society.
While details will remain under wraps until its official unveiling on Sept 27, a briefing for editors was held recently to introduce elements of the upcoming programme which was developed following a RM100mil allocation announced in Budget 2024 to support students who have dropped out of school.
The issue, said Unit Pantau MADANI executive director Mohd Khalid Mohamed Latiff (pic), was worsened by the extended duration of school closures, which lasted 174 days — the longest in the region.It is not just about learning, he said, as there are situations that prevent learning from occurring such as poverty, health problems, and lack of access to education.
“Sometimes there are just too many distractions that keep these students away from learning.
“That’s why a ‘whole of nation’ approach is crucial in addressing issues related to education,” he said during the briefing on Sept 10 in Putrajaya.
“We are harnessing the combined strength of our entire nation to implement this upcoming intervention programme, bringing together the government, non-profit organisations, investment bodies, government-linked companies, civil society groups, international organisations, public universities, and technology partners, to work alongside our educators,” he said, adding that the programme aspires to establish a global benchmark, which highlights the need to engage with various parties, including collaborating with partners who can assist in making education more engaging to attract students to attend school, and keep them there.
Although the challenges faced by students are common worldwide, each student’s experience is unique.
While technology, digital tools, and online resources have certainly accelerated learning, they have also brought about new distractions that can hinder focus and engagement, Mohd Khalid explained.“Students today are exposed to so many forms of digital distractions, particularly social media.
“These distractions are highly engaging, which means that traditional school learning must now compete for students’ attention,” he said, adding that this is where a more holistic approach to education becomes essential.Learning, he stressed, must be made more enjoyable and it must involve all stakeholders, particularly parents, who play a crucial role in helping their children stay on track.
The standard vanilla approach to learning may not be sufficient to retain their interest, if they are not engaged sufficiently, he added.
“We worked closely with the Education Ministry in developing this intervention programme.
“Using a data-driven approach, we identified the students most affected by challenges amplified during the pandemic and coordinated the necessary interventions with our partners,” he said, adding that the goal was to create a meaningful impact on students.
“We don’t want to address the issue from just our perspective, but rather take a holistic view of the issue and then overcome it collectively,” he said.
Adding firepower
Mohd Khalid emphasised the necessity to strengthen the programme and ensure its success by “adding firepower” to deploy the resources nationwide.
“We must come together and collectively agree that this is a challenge we all share. It’s important to work together,” he said, adding that the programme will be implemented until the end of 2025.
Explaining the programme’s problem statement and objectives (see infographics), he said a solid education can influence the country’s competitiveness, and the evolving demands of modern society and the workforce.
“We have to pay close attention to students who are falling behind, whether it’s the inability to read simple texts, not attending the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam, not qualifying to obtain the SPM certificate, or not being within the schooling system,” he said.
Based on the collected data and key objectives, he said three intervention sub-programmes were developed to tackle specific challenges in primary and secondary schools — which targets 3,458 schools involving 83,752 students.
These sub-programmes encompass the 3M – reading, writing and counting, SPM, and student dropout initiatives designed to ensure that the interventions directly benefit the students and teachers in schools.
“This is not only a response to the immediate needs of students but also a strategic move towards building a resilient and competitive educational framework that supports the country’s growth objectives,” he said, adding that if the interventions prove effective, the programme will be expanded.
“This phased approach allows for adjustments based on initial outcomes, ensuring that the programme can be scaled effectively while addressing any emerging challenges,” he said.Mohd Khalid said as the programme advances, efforts to engage and welcome other stakeholders will be continued, including those from the private sector to join the initiative.
“Helping children realise their potential is our shared responsibility.
“With collective effort, we can secure a bright and promising future for our nation.“Our children need us now more than ever. Whoever is interested in being part of this programme, please come forward. Let’s make a difference together,” he said.
