‘Positive discrimination’ to bridge schools gap
With ‘positive discrimination’ in education those living in disadvantaged areas where the level of education of parents is quite low, infrastructure quite bad and the environment not very conducive would receive additional allocation on top of the normal capital grant given to every school in the country from the Ministry of Education.
Dato Sri Michael Manyin, Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research
KUCHING: Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin has suggested that Sarawak practise ‘ positive discrimination’ in education by giving additional allocation to schools in disadvantaged areas.
He believes that the huge gap between urban and rural areas in Sarawak could be bridged through ‘ positive discrimination’.
“With ‘positive discrimination’ in education those living in disadvantaged areas where the level of education of parents is quite low, infrastructure quite bad and the environment not very conducive would receive additional allocation on top of the normal capital grant given to every school in the country from the Ministry of Education,” he said.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony of cash awards, financial contributions to education and non- profit organisations and Sarawak Timber Association ( STA) and Daiken scholarships at a hotel here on Thursday, Manyin said these schools ought to have the best teachers.
“If we do that, I believe that one day, the poverty level would be reduced and the gap between the urban and rural areas narrowed.”
He also shared that starting this year, his ministry is selecting a few schools in Sarawak under a pilot project to ensure that teachers have direct contact with parents.
“Teachers should know the contact numbers of parents and communicate with them either online or by phone.”
This method, he said, was practised in countries such as Finland, which has one of the best education systems in the world.
“Every teacher knows the parents of the students for direct communication to contribute towards the well-being and success of children.”
In view of this, he urged parents not to leave everything to teachers when it comes to the education of their children.
On the cash awards and scholarships from STA, Manyin commended the association for recognising outstanding students.
“It’s not only recognition but also motivation for all students. Hopefully, this cash award will inspire our students to work hard,” he said and suggested that STA consider giving out awards to students who excel in STEM subjects in future.
A total of 1,465 students comprising 1,067 SPM students and 398 STPM students received the cash awards.
Later, Manyin also expressed his gratitude to STA for pledging to give RM30,000 to victims of the fire that engulfed two teachers’ quarters at SK Batu Bungan in Mulu on Wednesday.
“STA chairman Pemanca Datuk Wong Kie Yik has generously pledged to give RM30,000 to victims of the fire.
“Right now, we have RM80,000 because yesterday ( Wednesday) our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg pledged RM50,000 from the Sarawak government to start the ball rolling for the fund to help the late Catherine Janet Tiwi’s family and other victims of the fire,” he said.