Class in session: A teacher conducting a lesson for children at PACTS.
Non-profit centre gives undocumented children a chance to study
SIBU: Many undocumented children in Miri would still be illiterate if not for the PACTS Education Clubhouse.
PACTS stands for Partnership with Parents (P), Academic Excellence (A), Character Development (C), Technology-Driven (T) and Service to the Community (S).
Without official identification documents, these undocumented children have no access to formal education.
Realising this, Onny Maathai, 48, took it upon himself to set up the non-profit centre in 2016 to provide these children with an education.
At present, 142 children are receiving education from primary level right up to Form 6.
The centre is managed by two volunteer principals – one each for primary and secondary. Lessons are taught by six paid teachers.
Onny said donations from the public serve as their source of funds.
Success stories: Onny (centre) with two former students – Carine Siew who graduated from Murdoch University and Jacky Lau who is doing Automotive Engineering in another university.
“We are providing free education until Form 6 to these undocumented children.
“We also try to help them apply for the necessary documents. If successful, they can further their studies in college,” he said.
The centre also provides education tailored to children with learning disabilities and fast learners.
“Some of these fast learners are in Form 5 despite being 12 years old. So when they go to government school, they tend to be naughty as they are bored.
“Our centre allows them to study according to their ability. We have children aged 15 already in university,” he said.
Children with learning disabilities are taught living skills such as baking that might eventually allow them to find a job.
Recently, PACTS expanded its service by setting up a sustainability centre.
“The children can learn hydroponics vegetable planting and also upcycling by converting old items like furniture and electrical appliances to other things,” Onny said.
Citing a recent project, the Miri Street Library, he said the book shelves were made from upcycled items.
The library is said to be the first of its kind in the country and aims to get youths interested in reading and writing while protecting the environment.
“In line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the initiative upcycles appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, bookshelves and other appropriate items into book display shelves,” said Onny.
“Senior students of PACTS Education Clubhouse have initiated the promotion of reading through the development of the street library, which emphasises the importance of bringing back the reading culture in the community.
“We hope the Miri Street Library can help build a more literate society and reduce dependency on digital media,” Onny said.
Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang supported the project by helping source books for the library.
Onny added that students of PACTS also presented the street library idea to the management of Miri Hospital.
“It can be set up in the children and maternity wards. The general idea is to encourage reading among people of all ages,” he said.
