A MYReaders training session at Kampung Orang Asli Serendah.
MALAYSIA has made notable strides in education, achieving near-universal access to primary and lower secondary education with a 2020 gross enrolment rate (GER) of 98.2% and 95.3% respectively.
Despite these positive numbers, a significant educational gap persists for indigenous children, particularly the Orang Asli.
Transition and completion rates among Orang Asli students remain far below the national average, highlighting the urgent need for targeted intervention.
In response, the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 outlines policies and initiatives to address this gap, including the “Pensiangan-Salinatan and Orang Asli Transformation Plan”.
These efforts aim to overcome barriers – geographical, socio-economic, language and cultural – that hinder the ability of Orang Asli children to thrive in school.
While systemic change is crucial, grassroots movements and social organisations have become key players in driving progress.
One organisation making a significant impact is Persatuan Literasi Anak Malaysia (MYReaders).
Established in 2014, MYReaders started as an after-school initiative offering basic English lessons and has grown into a comprehensive reading programme with localised learning materials.
Accredited by Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry and the Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre, MYReaders has reached more than 36,000 students, trained over 1,000 teachers, engaged 2,400 volunteers and empowered 1,900 parents across 10 states through its remedial reading programmes and teacher training initiative.
In 2023, as a Star Social Impact Grant (SSIG) recipient, MYReaders launched four literacy hubs benefitting 119 Orang Asli children.
These hubs in Perak (SK RPS Banun and SK RPS Dala) and Selangor (Kampung Orang Asli Serendah and Kampung Orang Asli Kelubi) are part of the organisation’s “Juhuk Penanei” (Knowledge Tree) initiative – a holistic, community-based education programme.
Equipped with customised Malay language and English phonics modules, storybooks and interactive activity packs, these literacy hubs also offer training for teachers and parents.
A key strength of this programme is parental involvement; Orang Asli parents are trained as literacy mentors, ensuring that learning goes beyond the classroom.
This sustainable approach transforms parents from passive observers into active participants in their children’s education.
“Witnessing mothers take charge of their children’s learning is inspiring.
“Some have even invited other children to join their sessions, creating a ripple effect of community-based learning,” said MYReaders Learning & Development director Charis Ding.
A teacher from SK RPS Banun shared success stories of two mothers who went from hesitant participants to confident mentors, and said their children now read fluently and with enthusiasm, inspiring others in the community.
SSIG-funded training has also equipped teachers with innovative phonics strategies and culturally sensitive teaching methods.
A teacher from Kampung Orang Asli Serendah said the training also gave educators valuable insight and understanding in how best to teach children.
The impact is measurable: 97 of the 119 participating children showed significant improvement in reading skills, based on pre- and post-programme assessments.
Additionally, 27 parents learned skills to support their children’s learning at home.
The “Juhuk Penanei” initiative has become a sustainable and replicable model for Orang Asli education, fostering confidence, curiosity and resilience among the children.
SSIG is an initiative under Star Foundation, the charitable arm of Star Media Group.
Now in its fifth year, the programme provides grants of up to RM50,000 per project, empowering social enterprises and NGOs to implement impactful community initiatives.
Applications for the 2025 SSIG programme are open until March 31.
For details, visit bit.ly/starsig
