MADANI Adopted School Programme Helps Provide Better Access, Equal Opportunities For Students
By Siti Baaqiah Mamat & Nurfardlina Izzati Moktar
KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 (Bernama) -- The involvement of corporate companies in the success of the MADANI Adopted School Programme is seen as capable of enhancing the competitiveness of students in underprivileged and rural schools, in addition to providing them with better access to quality education and more equal opportunities.
Malaysian Inclusive Development and Advancement Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Minda-UKM) deputy director Dr. Anuar Ahmad said that this measure is also believed to help address the educational gap between urban and rural areas, thereby strengthening the national education system.
"We realise that financial assistance is very important, especially for schools in rural areas that face a lack of basic facilities and learning materials such as the latest devices, so with additional financial resources, schools can provide a more conducive learning environment.
"The industry can also contribute through early career exposure. They can visit schools to give briefings so that students can understand earlier about job opportunities, courses or educational pathways, and the skills needed in the real industry," he told Bernama.
Yesterday, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced the selection of nearly 1,000 schools for the MADANI School Adoption Programme, implemented in collaboration with 117 private companies, aimed at addressing the education gap across the country.
The programme, which started in April, is jointly coordinated by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Finance (MOF), and the first phase is expected to be completed by Dec 31, with a programme extension subject to the results of the first phase.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, at the programme's launch event yesterday, also encouraged corporate figures and representatives of the sponsoring companies of the MADANI Adopted School Programme to visit the schools to engage with and provide early exposure to students about the importance of education for their future.
Dr Anuar said that the involvement of the corporate company not only strengthened the school's resources and facilities but also increased students' motivation, interest, and aspirations towards learning, and helped them plan their future career paths more clearly and competitively.
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