The children enjoying a colouring contest.
AS part of its continued commitment to empower Orang Asli, Persatuan Komuniti Elite brings together both parents and pupils in an event called Jom Belajar to raise awareness on the importance of education.
Organised by the Asian Banking School in collaboration with Bank Negara, the Jom Belajar programme is an effort to reach out to Orang Asli communities to encourage them to make education as a priority to create a better future for their children and community.
The programme was held at Sekolah Vokasional Elite in Kampung Sungai Chedon in Tapah.
It introduced the Elite Homework Aid programme to the pupils.
It is an after school programme conducted by Persatuan Komuniti Elite since 2018. It offers weekly free tuition for children from the age of four to 12 years old.
The parents were briefed on the importance of completing school homework and doing revision on a daily basis.
“The Elite Homework Aid is funded by the Elite Chicken Coop project where we sell the chicken eggs to get money to provide lunch for the children who attend and to buy workbooks.” said Alice Teoh, who is Elite project manager.
The tuition classes are conducted from Monday to Friday by Ibu Nina, a volunteer from Persatuan Komuniti Elite.
The event was attended by 50 parents and 63 children.
“Please encourage your children to come to school. Don’t worry if they are late as we teachers understand that they may have challenges.
“Don’t worry if your child has no stationery as the teachers will provide.” said SK Batu 7 senior assistant Norhashimah Aziz.
The Orang Asli parents were encouraged to participate more in school activities, interact with teachers and keep themselves updated with their children’s progress. Parents were also encouraged to help their children have an interest in reading to help them speak both English and Bahasa Melayu fluently.
Many fun activities were also prepared for the children.
The event was made special by the villagers as they came together to cook a meal for all that attended.
The Orang Asli village head, Tok Batin Bah Kajang, welcomed all participants to their village and praised the initiative.
