Khairy (seated centre) with other VIPs and children during the launch.
A pilot project to aid illiterate children from the city’s urban poor, has been kickstarted at the Kuala Lumpur Library.
Known as Project Pertiwi “Terus Belajar”, the initiative was introduced in tandem with the launch of the 10th edition of the ground-breaking Malaysian early learning book Siri Kaedah Terus Membaca.
Former health minister and popular Keluar Sekejap podcast show host Khairy Jamaluddin launched the book’s 10th edition.
Organised by non-governmental organisation Pertubuhan Tindakan Wanita Islam Malaysia (Pertiwi), the project is part of its alternative education programme.
Its aim is to increase literacy and numeracy levels for 37 boys and girls aged seven to 12 who come from low-income families in Kuala Lumpur.
Held under Pertiwi’s strategic pillar for educational advancement, the project is being held in collaboration with Sekolah Bimbingan Jalinan Kasih, located in the Chow Kit area.
Another project partner is Universiti Malaysia Perlis that is sharing knowledge on learning techniques.
Pertiwi acting president Laili Ismail said Project Pertiwi was the start of a transformative journey towards empowering children with vital literacy skills.
“This initiative is poised to make a significant difference in the lives of participating students,” she said.
The launch event was a collaboration with Tadika Raihan – a kindergarten known for its pioneering work in early literacy.
Tadika Raihan executive director and book co-author Zuhairah Ali said the book was designed to improve children’s reading and comprehension from the time of its first publication in 1965.
“The book’s first series was written by my late mother Datuk Dr Nooraihan Amar Sallehuddin, a trailblazer in early learning methodologies.”
“It has a proven track record, and innovative approach to reading,” she said.
Zuhairah said the book has benefitted many children in Malaysia as well as in other South-East Asian countries, especially the Philippines where her mother’s approaches spearheaded literacy.
“We are marking the first edition’s 60th anniversary with the book’s 10th edition, which is designed with new text, QR code, audio as well as new illustrations to cater to today’s young.
“It is projected to benefit over 1,000 students with its initial print run,” she added.
The book will also be used for the project which will be facilitated by seven tutors and three assistant tutors throughout the initial year.
Laili underscored Pertiwi’s aims, via the project, to nurture a culture of reading and learning among children in need.
She also thanked Yayasan Hasanah and the Finance Ministry for their support.
The event was attended by over 70 guests including collaborators, sponsors, project tutors, Tadika Raihan teachers and Pertiwi’s alternative education programme beneficiaries.
Pertiwi, set up in 1967, also serves the community via other projects that include its soup kitchen, health services and back-to-school vouchers
Tadika Raihan, formerly named Taman Pendidikan Raihan, was also founded in 1967 to revolutionise early literacy as a way of improving lives.
For details, visit https:// pertiwi.org.my/
