KUCHING: Four schools under the Association of the Boards of Management of Aided Chinese Primary
Schools in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Division have submitted applications to the Ministry of Education to offer classes for children with special needs.
Association president Jonathan Chai said the schools are SJK Chung Hua No.1, SJK Chung Hua Taiton, SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa, and SJK Chung Hua Siburan.
Presently only two of the 56 schools under the management of the association offer classes for children with special needs — SJK(C) Bintawa and SJK Chung Hua Serian.
“The applications of the four schools that are awaiting approval from the Ministry of Education are in line with the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025,” he said during the association’s annual general meeting yesterday.
Chai said the association is collaborating with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) to carry out a two-year study on how to help Bumiputera pupils at aided Chinese primary schools cope with challenges.
He explained teachers are also being challenged by the increasing number of Bumiputera pupils at aided Chinese primary schools.
“Through this academic study, we hope some assistance or solutions could emerge to help our pupils and teachers.
“It is also hoped that this study, which is being carried out by a public university will have the credibility, and be proof that aided Chinese primary schools serve as a platform for pupils of various backgrounds to mingle towards racial integration,” said Chai.
The study has received financial support of RM50,000 from the Tan Guek Kee and Lee Siew Ling Charity Foundation.