KUALA KUBU BARU: Comprehensive collaboration across all sectors, including the private sector and civil society, is essential to tackle the issue of student dropouts, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said the private sector and civil society must join forces to provide support in various areas, including information technology.
"The Anak Kita programme is an additional effort initiated in response to the concerning number of student dropouts.
"Our children cannot be left behind and must receive the cooperation and assistance needed to enhance their capabilities, providing them with a second chance and new opportunities.
"While dropout issues are not new, they have become more complex and challenging following the Covid-19 pandemic," he said in a virtual keynote address for the Anak Kita programme today.
Present were Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi and Kuala Kubu Baharu state assemblyman Pang Sock Tao.
The Anak Kita programme focuses on three key areas: mastering reading, writing, and arithmetic (3M); addressing student dropouts from the education system, particularly those affected by poverty; and increasing the percentage of candidates eligible for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia by ensuring they pass the Bahasa Melayu and History subjects.
This initiative is jointly organised by the Finance Ministry and the Education Ministry in collaboration with Yayasan Hasanah.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, also said that the 2024 Budget allocation for the Education Ministry is substantial, amounting to RM58.7 billion.
The amount, he said reflects the government's priority in providing opportunities for the nation's children to enhance their capabilities.
"Considering the concerns raised by the Education Ministry itself, RM100 million was allocated in the 2024 Budget for this programme, to ensure that the ministry is not burdened with additional responsibilities.
"I hope this initiative is utilised effectively.
"And parents must take responsibility. Teachers cannot bear the burden alone as they also have a duty to save our children who are at risk of dropping out," he said.