By Ahmad FaizuddinÂ
Life here can be beautiful and stressful at the same time, according to some expatriates who work in Malaysia.
Attending six years of primary education is compulsory for school children either in national schools or vernacular schools, like Chinese and Tamil. Â On top of that, kids also attended international schools in Malaysia.
Accidents happened at schools regularly. We might have heard cases like a Form 2 student sliced off his schoolmates ear; Form 3 students were injured falling from hostel block; and a Form 5 student impaled his hand while climbing over the school gate. These incidents cannot be avoided, but it can be prevented with a good school management.
The Ministry of Education, Malaysia, has introduced the 3K Programme, i.e. Keselamatan (safety), Kesihatan (health/hygiene), and Keceriaan (beautification). The programme was established in 1991 in which the main purpose is to ensure that every school can deal with the three aspects mentioned above. It is no doubt a good programme. Now after several years, where do we stand in promoting the school safety, health and beautification?
I have seen some schools put nice posters around the school compound. There are rules and tips with colourful pictures and decorations. Even some students might have memorised all of the above by heart. It only shows that the programme is there, but not the practice.
The 3K programme is indeed successfully implemented. However, we need to raise more awareness of students safety at school. The principal, as the authority at school, should foster a closer relationship with parents and local communities.
Through Parent-Teacher Association, many programmes can be arranged to promote safety at school, such as security simulations and related trainings. The responsibility is not from the school alone, but the government also has a liability, especially the School Division of the Ministry of Education.
Schools should have procedures and guidelines in managing the safety. The first rule is to promptly report any accident or incident to the safety and health committee. For any serious injuries, higher authority or the hospital should be consulted. Thus, all necessary contacts should be kept at schools. Make the checklists and do monitoring regularly for all school facilities.
For the sake of our students, the 3K programme should be rejuvenated. It should maintain the highest possible standards of safety, health, and welfare. School management should make sure that students could experience cheerfulness while doing activities at the school compound.
Schools can introduce the 3K programme to encourage students, teachers and parents to focus on safety, health and cleanliness at school. Students must be taught the importance of taking care of the environment as well.
Our hope is very high that schools are not only producing excellent students academically, but also providing a safe environment for them to grow. Let’s make schools as the source of pride to the community. Parents, teachers, communities, and government staff share the same responsibility to keep kids safe. ***
A Ph.D. candidate, Educational Management and Leadership, Kulliyyah of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia | Email: akhi.faizuddin@gmail.com| Mobile Phone: +60178813515