KUALA LUMPUR – The Education Ministry is set to assume responsibility for educating more than 300 children rescued from Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings’ (GISBH) effective October 1, said Fadhlina Sidek.
The minister said that the education programme for the children, who are said to have not received formal education in the past, is based on special modules that will be implemented at the shelters where they were placed by authorities.
“The education process will be conducted where at the shelters they’re placed in now. They are currently undergoing several assessments, including for basic skills (reading, writing and counting) as well as on their psychosocial wellbeing.
“Once the analysis is complete, only then will the Education Ministry take over from an education aspect,” the minister told reports after the ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya, as reported by Bernama.
Fadhlina added that the special curriculum will be categorised into three levels: preschool, primary and secondary education.
The programme will be carried out in two phases. The first phase is set to run for two months before it is extended to the following month, if needed.
Noting that the ministry’s assumption of the responsibility is aimed at ensuring that the children are granted an equal learning opportunity, Fadhlina said the ministry has a high level of commitment to guarantee that the children are not left behind in terms of education.
When asked whether authorities will take action against the parents of the children involved under the Education Act 1996, Fadhlina said that the ministry will consider the matter as the children have been denied their right to education.
“Our legal team is looking into the issue and updates will be provided if any action is taken.”
On September 11, police raided 20 GISB Holdings-linked welfare homes in Selangor and Negri Sembilan during a major operation dubbed Op Global, rescuing 402 children, aged between 1 to 17.
During health screenings by authorities later, a number of the victims were found to have been subjected to physical and emotional abuse. – September 23, 2024