The Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) has planned to expand the Sekolah Dalam Hospital (SDH) programme to more new locations in Perak and Putrajaya, ensuring that children receiving medical treatment can continue their education while in the hospital.
The Education Minister YB Fadhlina Sidek has said that the programme is now operating at 20 hospitals nationwide, and has benefited more than 400,000 students since it was introduced back in 2011. The latest SDH facility was recently launched at Seberang Jaya Hospital, the first hospital school in the state.
The SDH programme allows children undergoing treatment to continue learning in a safe and supportive hospital environment instead of missing school and education due to illness. It reflects the government’s efforts to ensure that no kids are left behind in their education, even if they have a health condition.
This initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education Malaysia, Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) and Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. Lessons are conducted in university teaching hospitals and adapted to suit the needs of students who might be undergoing treatment.
YB Fadhlina has said the programme has proven effective not only in assisting students to keep up with their studies but in providing emotional and therapeutic support during their hospital stay.
The programme also relies on dedicated teachers who volunteer to teach in a hospital setting. According to YB Fadhlina, teaching in SDH requires flexibility as some students are bedridden while others are able to attend classes in a hospital learning space.
To support the learning process, teachers use tools such as smart boards, smart TV’s and iPads to adapt lessons based on each student’s condition.
Sources: NST
