IPOH: Reopening of schools beyond September will impact Orang Asli education, says Malaysian Care executive director Wong Young Soon.
Wong, who is based in Kampung Sungai Cincin in Chenderiang, said many Orang Asli children were unable to cope with the syllabus due to how the lessons were being conducted.
“It’s not just because of the lack of Internet connectivity, but how the lessons were conducted.
“Some teachers hand out homework via WhatsApp and the parents are expected to help the children do it and send it back,” he said, adding that some parents were needed to collect the printed version from the teachers.
“Sometimes, the Orang Asli parents don’t even collect for their children.
“Lessons are also limited to one or two subjects per day, so they are unable to catch up with the syllabus,” he added.
The Education Ministry had, on July 17, announced that schools would reopen in stages for face-to-face classes from Sept 1.
This, however, was subject to change depending on the latest risk assessments by the Health Ministry and National Security Council.
Many quarters have also called on the government to delay the reopening of schools as cases are still rocketing.
Wong said he understood the risks of reopening schools as cases are still high nationwide.
“It is a big dilemma but the longer schools are closed, the further behind Orang Asli children will be left.
“Teachers, including community teachers, should be given priority to be vaccinated so they can hold physical classes at the villages,” he said.
