UKM students aims to bridge educational gaps for Orang Asli

In a concerted effort to bridge the urban-rural educational gap and empower the underserved Orang Asli community, a dedicated team of second-year master’s students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) Graduate School of Business has launched the EduReach initiative, aiming to bring positive change to the lives of Orang Asli students from the Semelai tribe.

The EduReach team, passionate about “empowering minds through smart education,” has set its sights on the underserved Orang Asli community. The initiative aims to enhance mindsets and educational opportunities for Orang Asli students who currently face challenges in accessing quality education.

The team is currently engaged in a 205km journey from Kuala Lumpur to Bera, symbolizing their commitment to bridging the urban-rural gap and paving the way for positive change.. Their mission is to create a brighter tomorrow by addressing key issues faced by Orang Asli students, particularly those attending Sekolah Kebangsaan Iskandar Bera in the interior of Pos Iskandar, Bera, Pahang.

Improving access to quality education

The challenges faced by students at Sekolah Kebangsaan Iskandar have gained prominence since the team’s initial meeting in early December, which marked the commencement of discussions on collaboration. The school’s library, comprising only 50 books, is tasked with serving a student population of 200. The absence of tables and chairs forces students to sit on the floor while engaging in reading activities. Moreover, the school’s sporting accomplishments are hindered by the deteriorating condition of sports equipment and an inadequately maintained storage room.

EduReach has outlined three key pillars for their initiative, with the primary objective being to identify improvement opportunities for the Orang Asli students, specifically focusing on enhancing access to quality education. These pillars include library enhancement, digital and creative learning, and sports equipment. To achieve these goals, the team is calling for support from the public, urging individuals, corporations, and sports brands to unite in creating a lasting impact.

The team aims to curate 1,000 non-academic books while simultaneously seeking to raise RM100,000 to transform the library. They have issued a call for book donations, stating, “Books in good condition, non-academic books suitable for 7-12-year-olds. All languages warmly welcomed.”

In addressing the improvement of sports facilities and equipment for the students, the team is fostering collaboration with both commercial entities and the community. The EduReach team is actively seeking support from sports retailers for the procurement of new sports equipment. Additionally, the team aims to involve the public in contributing to this noble cause by sourcing preloved sports equipment in good condition.

Uniting for a lasting impact

In a recent Facebook post, the EduReach team passionately urged individuals and corporations to contribute, emphasizing, “Together, we can make a lasting impact!” Beyond merely providing resources, the initiative represents a call for collective responsibility, underscoring the shared commitment to inspire others to join in and address the challenges faced by the Orang Asli communities in Malaysia.

The team is accepting contributions until January 31, 2024. Those interested in contributing books, sports equipment, or cash donations can contact EduReach at 019-2502398 to find the nearest drop point and be part of this impactful initiative.