LETTER | Establishment of special schools merits re-evaluation

LETTER | The Education Ministry (MOE) is sparing no effort to ensure that its plan to establish schools catering to students from hardcore low-income families can be realised next year.

The aim is to provide these students with a high-quality education.

Many students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who attended our existing schools have succeeded after leaving the schools, breaking free from the shackles of poverty.

What should be a concern is that pursuing such an ambitious plan might entail a high cost, which merits careful re-evaluation.

Rather than establishing special schools, why not improve our current efforts?

By concentrating on refining and expanding existing initiatives and facilities, we have the potential to bring about more substantial and far-reaching enhancements in the quality of education for poor students.

This approach can yield more excellent overall progress and impact.

Better access

Consequently, underprivileged students can access an improved education.

This strategic allocation of funds could lead them to access better resources, equipping them with the necessary tools to succeed in school, like their peers.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that every child should have the opportunity to live and learn together, regardless of their financial situation.

Segregating students based on family income could exacerbate the divide between the wealthy and the less privileged.

When students from all backgrounds hang out together, it can help us learn from each other, understand each other’s feelings, and grow together.

The MOE’s strong dedication to establishing special schools for students from low-income families is commendable, but we need to consider the money it will need.

However, we shouldn’t ignore improving the facilities and tools we already have at schools.

This can help less fortunate students. Finding a balance between these ideas and ensuring everyone is included will make a big difference in how our schools change for a better future.

MOHD SHAHIDAN SHAARI is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Business and Communication, Universiti Malaysia Perlis.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.