Background Information
PINTAR an acronym of “Promoting Intelligence, Nurturing Talent and Advocating Responsibility, was launched in December 2006 by Y.B. Finance Minister II as a pilot project in Penang. UDA being one of the GLCs has participated and supported the programme with the adoption of two schools namely Sekolah Rendah K
ebangsaan Tanjong Tokong and Sekolah Menengah Seri Balik Pulau. UDA Land (North) is being entrusted to be the implementer and coordinator between UDA and the schools.
The main thrust of PINTAR is to raise the children’s motivation to learn and at the same time ensuring that a conducive learning environment is provided at schools. The main thrust focuses on parents to increase their awareness of the importance of education, encouraging their involvement with the school and removing or mitigate any distractions that may arise from their low-income background. The supplementary thrust is ensuring that basic facilities are available at schools, adequate amenities are provided (if required) and, where possible, provide teaching resources for the school.
The selection of schools under PINTAR program were based on historically significant number of students under-performing in major exams and a low record of attendance rate. The programmes customized by UDA were catered to focus on developing soft skills, motivation and academic as well as non-academic excellence.
Programs Implemented & Results
Since UDA assume the role of “foster parent” to the two schools in Pulau Pinang, there has been an improvement in the percentage of students’ attendance rate. Regard to academic results, Sekolah Rendah Tanjong Tokong has shown better improvement in UPSR with 12 students obtaining 5As in 2007 as compared to 4 students in previous year. The school have also achieved passing rate of 71.8%, above its targeted rate of 70.4%.
Sekolah Menengah Seri Balik Pulau on the other hand has repor
ted a slight drop in the passing rate of PMR results in 2007 by 0.42% as compared to 57.86% in 2006. However, they have reported an encouraging passing rate for 2 core subjects, Mathematics and Science of 75% (2006: 72%) and 89% (2006: 88%) respectively. The passing rate for English subjects has slightly dropped by 3% from 71.38% in 2006. Continuous effort will be done in the form of tuition classes in improving the level of passing rate in English subject.
Among the tuition classes that have been conducted are as follows:
a) Literacy classes conducted by consultant for illiterate students
b) Tuition classes/night classes conducted in house by the teachers for UPSR, PMR and SPM students
c) Computers classes conducted by UDA Land (North) staffs
d) Classes for improvement of English as a second language conducted in-house by teachers.
Under the 3 months course programme to reduce the literacy in the adopted schools, both schools have achieved re
markable results with an average of 77% students reaching above the minimum level target. Besides teaching the students, the teachers from both schools have also undergone a 2-day training conducted by our consultant so as to be familiar with the method used. This programme has indeed achieved its main objective to mitigate level of illiteracy among school children. part from programmes for sustaining education among students, UDA has also conducted motivational and teambuilding programmes. Among the programmes conducted are “Kem Membina Potensi Diri dan Kecemerlangan Remaja” for illiterate and weak students from SM Seri Balik Pulau in Jerejak Resort and Spa and 3 days educational visit to UDA head-quarters and Putrajaya for form 5 students. In relation to provide a conducive environment for the school, UDA have donated computers and water coolers to both schools for the benefit of the students.
Current Development
In relation to encouraging response receive from the communities and excellent progress shown from our pilot adopted schools in Penang, UDA has decided to extend its corporate social responsibility by adopting 3 additional schools in middle of March 2008. The schools selected are Sekolah Rendah Kuala Muda in state of Penang and Sekolah Rendah Pogoh and Sekolah Rendah Taman Permas Jaya 2; both in state of Johor. UDA Land (North) will be in charge of school in northern region while UDA Land (South) will coordinates and implement programmes for schools in southern region.
In conjunction with the official launch of these schools as the adopted schools, UDA has donated RM48,000 worth of computers and laptops. It is envisaged that the installing of ICT in these schools will cultivate interest among students in ICT.
UDA will continue to organised programmes that will mitigate illiteracy as well as improving the level of English usage among our adopted students. These are additional to programmes focusing on students taking UPSR examination.
Conclusion
UDA believes that with the involvement in corporate social responsibility, will assist in educating and embedded good human nature for the development of quality human capital.
