As healthcare professionals collaborating with Iskul Sama DiLaut Omadal, we wholeheartedly endorse their social inclusion initiative.
Iskul transcends boundaries by providing stateless children on Pulau Omadal with education and holistic development, fostering hope and shaping brighter futures.
Witnessing their unwavering commitment, we feel compelled to amplify Iskul's impact. More than just an educational institution, Iskul embodies a beacon of hope.
They actively engage in community-based programmes, uplifting both residents and the stateless Bajau Laut community.
Our collaborations have revealed Iskul's unwavering dedication to education as an unalienable right, regardless of legal status. Their approach goes beyond academics, nurturing well-rounded individuals.
The sheer determination of the Iskul team is striking. Facing personal threats, limited resources and personal sacrifices, they remain resolute in their belief that every child deserves access to quality education.
The children at Iskul embody the transformative power of education. Their eagerness to learn, evident in their joy at receiving new books, speaks volumes about Iskul's impact.
Beyond traditional education, Iskul addresses critical needs like proper nutrition, health and values. We've witnessed first-hand the gratitude these children express, a testament to Iskul's positive influence.
Furthermore, Iskul prioritises nutrition, often neglected in marginalised communities. Many children suffer from malnutrition, but Iskul ensures proper nourishment, contributing to their physical and mental development.
Equally notable is their commitment to instilling values, actively discouraging begging and glue sniffing, and emphasising etiquette, pride and responsibility - shaping them into better human beings.
Iskul's positive influence extends beyond academics. Waste management systems and community clean-up events reflect their dedication to environmental health. They also promote personal hygiene practices, contributing to the community's well-being.
Cultural events like musical groups and film productions involving local communities foster unity and understanding. By celebrating the island's cultural richness, Iskul bridges gaps and builds bridges.
In Pulau Omadal, where basic healthcare is scarce, Iskul teachers serve as a trusted resource for the community's health concerns, their dedication bridging the gap in medical services.
Recognising the urgent need, we collaborated with Iskul to empower four community members, chosen for their literacy and commitment.
These members weren't just trained as Community Health Helpers (CHHs) at the Warisan Semporna Clinic, but equipped with life-saving skills through comprehensive first aid training. They also learned how to handle cuts, burns, sprains and even perform CPR - becoming the island's first responders.
Upon returning, a community health centre established with Iskul's support became the first line of defence, offering basic treatment, health advice and telemedicine consultations.
This centre isn’t just a place for consultations but a hub for ongoing learning. Enthusiastic Iskul students participated in interactive first-aid workshops, learning how to respond to emergencies and care for their loved ones.
This not only equipped the younger generation with crucial skills but also fostered a culture of health awareness and community responsibility.
These meticulously chosen and diligently trained CHHs, now armed with both medical knowledge and first aid expertise, serve as the island's first responders.
Their tireless efforts, supported by Iskul, are transforming healthcare access and delivery, ensuring faster response times and immediate care in critical situations. Together, Iskul and our collaborative efforts have empowered a healthier, more resilient Pulau Omadal.
In conclusion, we unequivocally endorse Iskul. Their multifaceted approach is not only commendable but vital for the well-being and future prosperity of stateless children and their communities.
Let us stand united in advocating for the protection and support of alternative and safe education spaces for all children, especially those who are stateless and marginalised.
Iskul represents a beacon of hope, and through our collective support, we can contribute to a brighter future for these young minds. - Mkini
DR T SHRIDEV NAIR is the medical affairs lead at Sime Darby Plantations and leads the Seaweed Cultivation and Health Awareness Programme in Omadal Island, Sabah.
DR VIVIEN HOW is a senior lecturer at UPM's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and heads the health initiative for the Seaweed Cultivation and Health Awareness Programme in Omadal Island, Sabah.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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