What’s happening to our Tamil schools?
One thing that comes to mind when being questioned about this is- The concerns about the condition of Tamil schools nationwide. But are there serious actions being taken?
To address this issue, recently The National Education Advisory Council (NEAC) has been revived to tackle issues facing the education sector including school dropouts, racism, and extremism in schools. And According to Malaysiakini, there are no Tamil, Sabahan, or Sarawakian scholars in the NEAC.
For reference: Mohamad Fauzan Noordin has been appointed deputy chairperson while other council members include Omar Yaakob, Mehander Singh Nahar Singh, Noor Inayah Ya’akub, Mohd Abd Aziz Mahmud, Aminuddin Awang, Rusilawati Mohd Salleh, and Chee Poh Kiem.
What NEAC should consider for the Tamil Schools
The NEAC must focus on new ideas in order to improve Tamil school education, emphasise soft skills to inculcate the character and welfare of teachers, and address poverty among B40 students.
In 1980, there was a total of 589 Tamil schools and now there is a tremendous drop bringing it to only 528 schools in the country with a total of 79,309 students.
According to the ministry’s regulation, Tamil schools may be dissolved due to low enrollment or combined with other schools. There is a concern that if enrolment does not rise or even the facilities are not improved, these schools will be forced to close. Most schools are not enjoying full facilities. Conditions of Tamil schools in rural areas are even worst. It is afraid that those schools may soon disappear reports Malaysiakini.
Are Tamil schools operating on a tight budget?
The Tamil schools are in no way equivalent to the country’s Malay and Chinese schools. Budget allocation for Tamil schools has always been a major issue. Some schools are using old blocks which has structural problems. Wiki Impact has shared an amazing infographic with accurate data in regard to this issue.
With that let’s hope NEAC will look into this and lift education standards by giving an opportunity to experts of all races from the teaching profession to serve on the NEAC for an even better implementation.
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