Illiterates no more
NS programme helps trainees hone reading skills
SEPANG: About three-quarters of illiterate National Service (NS) trainees have shown an improvement in their reading skills under the I-smart pilot programme, said NS Training Department director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil.
According to him, 482 trainees from a total intake of 6,667 in 30 camps nationwide last year were reported to be lacking in the 3R’s of reading, writing and arithmetic.
The discovery was made after the I-smart pilot module was introduced last August to assist trainees facing difficulty with reading and writing.
“We have noted a marked improvement since the I-smart pilot programme was introduced among the illiterate in the third batch of last year’s trainees.
“Currently, we only have 30 qualified trainers to carry out the programme, which is insufficient as we have 82 camps nationwide,” Abdul Hadi said during his visit to the Kem PLKN Princess Haliza in Sungai Pelek here.
The campsite is the first to boast of a “smart store” management system at an NS campsite, which was launched by Abdul Hadi yesterday.
“The ‘ smart store’ features a computerised storage system to manage the logistical needs of camp residents,” said camp commandant Mejar Muhamad Basri Abdul Rahman.
Although the concept is endorsed by the Defence Ministry, Abdul Hadi said the cost of building the system would be borne by the campsite operators.