KUALA LUMPUR: The National Parent-Teacher Association Collaborative Council has asked the government to conduct a study to determine the root causes of secondary students dropping out of school before considering punitive measures like fines or imprisonment.
Its president, Associate Professor Dr Mohamad Ali Hassan, said a thorough investigation, in collaboration with district education offices, was required to find a solution to the problem.
"There are several reasons why they (students) refuse to attend school, one of which is family poverty or the belief that secondary-level education will not benefit them in the future when they enter the workforce.
"This group, as well as their parents and guardians, should be counselled," he recently told Bernama.
On March 22, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had reportedly said taking legal action against parents whose children dropped out of secondary school education was not the only solution.
The Education Ministry had reportedly submitted a draft proposal to the Attorney-General's Chambers to make secondary-level education compulsory.
Ali said he welcomed the proposal, but the government should facilitate the underprivileged to go to school in terms of school fees, school supplies, daily allowances and hostels.
Rosnita Mohd Zaki, 45, a mother of two, said she supported the ministry's move to make secondary education compulsory as this would allow students to enter the workforce easily.
"They will be mature and have better job opportunities with a secured future."
Housewife Norzawani Abdul Latiff, 39, said to tackle the dropout issue among students, the government should provide free education, especially at the primary and secondary levels.
"Going to school requires so much money. Not everyone can afford it. If education is free, with all the help available, then it is appropriate to take legal action against parents who refuse to send their children to school." -- Bernama
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
from New Straits Times https://ift.tt/0NiMLCm
0 Comments