PUTRAJAYA: Efforts to narrow the education gap between schoolchildren in rural and urban areas received a shot in the arm following the announcement of a RM2.5 billion school aid programme yesterday.
The money, to be channelled to 16 state education departments and seven divisions in the Education Ministry, is aimed at reducing the gap between poor and affluent pupils, and to help those with special needs.
The allocation will be disbursed via schemes such as sports scholarships and pre-university allowances.
Others include the food supplementary programme, school uniform aid, allowances for students with special needs, hostel meal aid, and Penan and Orang Asli adult classes, the ministry said in a statement.
It was issued in conjunction with the special address to the ministry by Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the Putrajaya Convention Centre here.
“It is aimed at reducing the burden of parents or guardians in financing their children’s needs at government or government-aided schools, besides ensuring children can continue to attend school in line with the Compulsory Education Policy 2003,” it said.
Among the state education departments, Sarawak would receive the highest allocation amounting to RM393 million, followed by Sabah (RM246 million), Selangor (RM208 million), Kelantan (RM180 million), Johor (RM178 million), Perak (RM159 million) and Kedah (RM139 million).
The Boarding School and Excellent School Management Division will receive the highest allocation of RM117 million, followed by the Technical and Vocational Education Division (RM114 million) and Special Education Division (RM99 million).
“The government hopes the aid will motivate pupils to pursue their studies to the highest level so that they can be part of creative, innovative and skilled human capital and contribute to the nation’s development.”
2011/02/11; By Sean Augustin
sean@nst.com.myShare
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