Community Class Helps Pos Pasik Orang Asli Children

GUA MUSANG, Aug 29 (Bernama) — Children of the Orang Asli community in Pos Pasik here are no longer at risk of falling behind in education after gaining access to a Community Class in Kampung Sugi C.

The Pos Pasik Community Class, built in June 2023 through the initiative of a non-governmental organisation (NGO), began operating a year ago with an enrolment of 16 five-year-old pupils from the Temiar tribe.

Legacy Trustee Chief Executive Officer, Geoffrey Teo, said the establishment of the class was aimed at raising awareness among the Orang Asli community about the importance of education, as well as ensuring that their children do not miss out on learning.

“We appointed teachers from among the local residents to teach the pupils here. Since the class started operating, attendance records have been very satisfactory and their learning performance has also improved.

“We also provide pocket money as motivation for them to attend school regularly. This effort is worthwhile because it helps the community here improve their social standing,” he said when met at Pos Pasik today.

Geoffrey said his organisation also plans to build several basic infrastructures for the convenience of the local residents.

He said a total of RM50,000 was spent last year to repair infrastructure in the settlement, including the Pos Pasik Community Class.

“We will add more necessary facilities. I believe this is a good collaboration between the private sector and the government in caring for the welfare of this group,” he added.

Meanwhile, Community Class teacher Siti Aminah Ariffin, 31, said the class has managed to highlight the potential of Orang Asli children in the area.

“Their progress is very encouraging compared to when they first enrolled. Now, they already recognize numbers and letters, and they are even being introduced to basic English.

“I hope this effort can adequately prepare them to enter primary school later and not be left behind in their studies,” she said.

Pos Pasik Orang Asli Village Development and Security Committee (JPKKOA) chairman, Jimi Arifin, also said the existence of the class has had a positive impact on the children’s education there.

— BERNAMA

Source Linkhttps://www.bernama.com/bm/am/news.php?id=2462199