UPLIFT Spearheads Tuition Programme
for Orang Asli Children at Kg. Serigala

On April 9th 2022, a significant educational initiative aimed at improving academic outcomes for children in the Orang Asli community of Kg. Serigala, Kuala Kubu Bahru, took off. Spearheaded by UPLIFT (Pertubuhan Bangkit), in collaboration with the BAC Education Group, the tuition programme is designed to help children from this underserved community strengthen their foundational skills in reading, writing and arithmetic (the 3 Rs), while also providing support with their schoolwork.

The Need for Educational Support in Kg. Serigala

Kg. Serigala, like many Orang Asli settlements, faces considerable educational challenges. Access to quality education is often limited and children in the community frequently struggle with fundamental academic concepts. Recognising the need for intervention, UPLIFT, alongside volunteers from the BAC Education Group, launched the tuition programme as a way to bridge the learning gap and offer these children a brighter future through education.

Programme Structure and Goals

Held every Saturday at the community center in Kg. Serigala, the programme focuses on students from a wide range of age groups, including nursery-aged children (4 to 6 years old), primary school students (Standard 1 to 6) and secondary school students (Forms 1 to 3). During the first session on April 9th, 34 students participated, with volunteers conducting a group assessment to better understand the children’s learning needs.

The assessment revealed several areas that required attention. Many of the children needed help with:

• Spelling
• Understanding large numbers
• Reading time
• Pronunciation
• Confidence building
• Basic reading, writing and counting

For the younger children, creative and interactive learning tools were essential to make education fun and engaging. As a result, the programme incorporated playful elements to ensure a well-rounded learning experience that keeps the children interested and motivated.

Fostering Learning through Community Support

The tuition programme is run by a team of UPLIFT and BAC volunteers, who bring not only their teaching skills but also a deep commitment to the cause of education. These volunteers are central to the success of the initiative, dedicating their time to create an interactive, supportive environment for the children.

The focus on the 3 Rs aims to build strong academic foundations, which are critical for the children's future success. Beyond academics, the programme also seeks to foster essential life skills such as confidence, communication and critical thinking, ensuring that the children are prepared not just for exams, but for life beyond the classroom.

Outcomes and Future Plans

Although the programme is still in its early stages, the positive feedback from both students and volunteers is already evident. The initiative has given the children of Kg. Serigala a newfound sense of enthusiasm for learning, with many showing improvement in their engagement and understanding of key subjects.

As the programme progresses, UPLIFT plans to expand its reach by introducing more creative teaching techniques and incorporating more volunteers to handle the growing number of students. The goal is to provide consistent, long-term support that will not only improve academic performance but also nurture a love for learning among the children.

A Step Towards Educational Equality

The tuition programme at Kg. Serigala is more than just a series of Saturday classes—it represents a step towards educational equality. By focusing on children from marginalised communities like the Orang Asli, UPLIFT is working to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed.

The programme also highlights the power of collaboration between NGOs, community leaders and educational institutions like the BAC Education Group. Together, they are creating pathways for these children to access the education they deserve and, in doing so, helping to break the cycle of poverty that often affects indigenous communities.

The tuition programme at Kg. Serigala is a beacon of hope for the children in this Orang Asli community. It demonstrates the transformative power of education when combined with community involvement and sustained support. As the programme continues to grow, UPLIFT remains committed to helping these children achieve their full potential, empowering them to create a better future for themselves and their community.

This initiative is a reminder that education is not just a privilege—it is a right.