Tuition Programme benefits Orang Asli children from Kg. Changkat Bintang

On 1st July 2022, UPLIFT (Pertubuhan Bangkit) initiated a tuition programme at the Orang Asli settlement of Kg. Changkat Bintang, Ulu Selangor. This programme, designed to provide essential educational support to underprivileged children, is part of UPLIFT’s broader commitment to ensuring equitable access to education for marginalised communities in Malaysia. The setup of the tuition programme marks a significant step toward empowering the children of Kg. Changkat Bintang through focused academic assistance and community engagement.

Addressing Educational Inequality

Kg. Changkat Bintang is home to many Orang Asli families who face significant challenges in accessing quality education. The children in this community often struggle to keep up with their studies due to a lack of resources, guidance and support. Many of them need extra help with basic literacy and numeracy skills, which are critical for their future success in school and beyond. Recognising these challenges, UPLIFT took action by setting up a tuition programme aimed at addressing the educational gaps faced by the children of the village. The programme focuses on improving their reading, writing, arithmetic (the 3 Rs) and overall academic performance, ensuring that these children receive the support they need to thrive in their studies.

The Setup Process

On the day of the setup, a team of volunteers from UPLIFT arrived at the Balai Raya (community hall) in Kg. Changkat Bintang. The team, which included volunteers such as Hanom, Leya, Jennifer, Farid, Deborah, Euphrasia Lourdes and Parames, began the process of transforming the hall into a functional learning space for the tuition program.

The setup involved assembling furniture, sorting educational materials and creating a structured environment that would encourage learning. Volunteers unpacked and organised books, stationery and creative tools to ensure that the space was fully equipped for the children’s educational needs. The community center was divided into designated learning areas with tables and chairs, making it conducive for group activities and one-on-one tutoring sessions.

By the end of the day, the hall was ready to welcome the children of Kg. Changkat Bintang for their weekly tuition classes. The team’s efforts ensured that the programme could be conducted in a safe, engaging and well-organised environment, setting the stage for long-term educational support.

Programme Structure and Objectives

The tuition programme at Kg. Changkat Bintang is designed to help children from the village improve their academic skills through a structured curriculum tailored to their needs. The program focuses on:

Improving Literacy and Numeracy Skills: The primary goal is to strengthen the children’s foundation in reading, writing and arithmetic. These skills are critical for their overall academic success and serve as the building blocks for future learning.

Homework Assistance: Volunteers provide individualised help with schoolwork, ensuring that the children can better understand and complete their assignments.

Creative Learning: The programme also integrates creative learning activities that make education enjoyable and stimulating. By incorporating games, arts and interactive exercises, the tuition programme aims to keep the children engaged and motivated to learn.

Confidence Building: Many of the children from Orang Asli communities struggle with confidence in their academic abilities. The tuition programme fosters a supportive environment where students can build self-esteem and improve their learning outcomes.

Impact on the Community

The launch of the tuition programme at Kg. Changkat Bintang has already begun to make a positive impact on the community. The programme serves 30 children from the village, offering them much-needed academic support in a consistent and nurturing environment. For many of these children, this is their first experience receiving one-on-one educational assistance outside of their regular school hours.

Parents and community leaders have expressed their gratitude for the program, recognising the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and providing better opportunities for the younger generation. By equipping these children with stronger academic skills, UPLIFT is not only improving their current school performance but also giving them the tools to pursue further education and career opportunities.

Future Plans and Sustainability

UPLIFT remains committed to the long-term success of the Tuition Program at Kg. Changkat Bintang. Moving forward, the organisation plans to expand the program by recruiting more volunteers and introducing additional resources, such as educational materials, digital tools and training for tutors. There is also a plan to incorporate life skills workshops, which will help children develop critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.

As the programme grows, UPLIFT will continue to work closely with the Orang Asli community to ensure that the children receive consistent support and guidance throughout their academic journey.