KUALA LUMPUR: Eleven more schools will be added to the list of Comprehensive Special Model Schools (K9) to address student dropout rates in remote areas, says Education Ministry (MOE).

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the ministry’s Daily School Management Division is currently conducting groundwork including visits to Sabah and Sarawak to identify schools that can be included in the programme.

He said final verification would be undertaken so that all recommendations could be brought to the highest management of the ministry and the plan could be realised when the new school session begins next year.

"If we talk about the education of Orang Asli and indigenous students, we cannot run away from the dropout issue, so to address this, the MOE will expand the number of K9 schools by adding another 11, bringing the total number to 28.

"The existence of these schools aims to reduce dropout rates by allowing students to remain in the same school from Year 1 through Form 3, thus eliminating the need for transitions or transfers after Year 6,” he told reporters after officiating the 2024 National Orang Asli and Indigenous Students’ Education Carnival here on Wednesday (Aug 21).

Wong also announced that SK Betau in Lipis, Pahang had been selected for the Madani village adoption programme, Bernama reported.

With this selection, various enhancements will be provided to the school, including upgraded Internet facilities through Starlink and tablets for most students to support teaching and learning sessions (PDP).

Additionally, the MOE will improve the supply of clean water and electricity to the school's new building, upgrade the open hall facilities and complete a motorcycle repair learning workshop.

"This school will serve as a success story and showcase for the MOE, demonstrating how we ensure development in rural schools,” he said.

On the carnival, Wong mentioned that the two-day event on Aug 21 and 22, provides a platform for students to display their talents and achievements and for teachers to share their experiences to enhance PDP in rural schools.

"This carnival has brought together 185 students from 98 Orang Asli schools across Perak, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, and Johor, as well as 23 indigenous schools from Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/21/moe-to-add-11-more-k9-schools-to-tackle-dropout-rates-in-remote-areas