From 1973 to now: Address the dropout data gap, Education Ministry told

 

-NSTP file pic, for illustration purpose only.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry has been urged to conduct a detailed study on student dropouts and find solutions fast to address the matter.

An educationist from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Centre of Community Education and Wellbeing, Dr Anuar Ahmad, said the last comprehensive study that looked into the problem was done in 1973 — 50 years ago — under the Murad Report.

"The trend of students dropping out of school at the primary or secondary school level is worrying.

"On average, between 30,000 and 33,000 students are dropping out of school yearly due to various factors, including poverty and limited access to education," he said in a video posted on his Facebook today.

He added that the number did not include students who failed to obtain their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) certificate.

"Fifty years ago, we had a study on dropouts among students, and we came out with solutions to address it.

"Today, we still face this problem. Unfortunately, we do not have a detailed and comprehensive report or study on this.

"We must do something to address this problem for our children," he said.

He added that the dropout problem among students must be addressed immediately before the ministry and the government can discuss issues of education, teachers, schools, syllabus and even world-class quality infrastructure.

"Many out there are still dealing with the issue of poverty and limited access to education, which affect their education process."

On June 15, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said poverty had been identified as one of the causes of students dropping out of school.

She said her ministry was working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to collect data and address the issue, adding that the problem was not only the responsibility of her ministry, schools and teachers but needed support from an ecosystem of all parties too, including parents and the community.

"We are concerned but not defensive. That is why we conducted an intervention to address the issue, we are highly committed, and we are not alone in this because NGOs and the community also do it," she said. - NST