ALOR GAJAH – The implementation of home-based teaching and learning across the country from tomorrow (January 20) has Besi Dulah, the tok batin for Kg Orang Asli Kubang Badak and Tebong Stesyen, worried because of the lack of devices and Internet access for children in the two villages.
Besi said it will be hard for them because they will be relying on parents’ mobile phones and may sometimes have to share with their friends when their parents go foraging in the forest or to work.
“It is difficult to get a computer or laptop here. In fact, some people don’t understand how to use a computer,” he said today.
He said there were 15 Orang Asli children – eight primary and seven secondary school students – from 130 Temuan families living in these villages in the interior of Melaka, about 30km from Alor Gajah town.
He said that although you can get broadband service at Pusat Internet Kg Kuala Sungga, about 4km away, some of the Orang Asli are shy to meet outsiders.
He said that when the movement control order was imposed in March last year, groups of dedicated volunteer teachers came twice a week to hold free and informal classes at the Balai Raya Kg Orang Asli Kubang Badak.
The 39-year-old said he didn’t know if classes would be held this year, but would like the government to provide appropriate learning methods for the Orang Asli children.
“I really miss the teachers and my friends. It’s been a long time since I wore my uniform. Tomorrow I will have to borrow my mum or sister’s phone for learning so that I become smart and can go to university,” said SK Tebong Year 3 student Kartiaini Ramesh, 9, who said she wishes school will return to normal this year.
Due to the rise in Covid-19 cases, the Education Ministry announced recently that primary and secondary school students will continue learning at home, while students sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, Sijil Vokasional Malaysia, Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia, Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia, Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia, and Malaysian Vocational Diploma will go back to school. – Bernama, January 19, 2021
