Free education to curb student dropout among underprivileged

ALOR SETAR: Food Bank Malaysia (Food Bank) has taken the initiative to provide free education classes to children of the asnaf group in Kampung Bakau Hijau, Bedong.

Its chairman Mohd Azrul Mohd Razak said the initiative, known as the Bakau Hijau Class project, is aimed at ensuring poor local students do not drop out and end up not receiving a good and adequate education.

He said education classes in this village are a continuation of efforts to provide free education to the village’s students that started in 1994.

“A friend brought our team to the place in the hope of helping the students there to read and write as well as to gain knowledge that can benefit those who are mostly from underprivileged families.

“The founder of this place, known as Toksu Romli, started giving free English classes to students in the village since 1994. The result of the Food Bank’s visit two years ago made us feel that education must continue here.”

He said the Food Bank, in collaboration with Kelab Pendidikan dan Kebajikan Puncak Lembaga Bujang, has helped to bring back these classes.

Mohd Azrul said his team is collaborating with residents of the village to reorganise the classes in order to continue the effort to provide free education there.

He said so far between 30 and 40 children from primary and secondary schools have attended the classes, which last for three hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

“Among the subjects taught are Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics and Science as well as reading and writing for primary school pupils,” he said.

Mohd Azrul added the teaching staff comprised volunteers from various occupational backgrounds, including teachers and doctors.

“Food Bank hopes that these classes and programmes can assist these children in changing their lives for the better through education.” – Bernama