Schoolbooks, uniforms, workbooks, stationeries, shoes ...
Every year, parents spend hundreds of dollars to put their children through
school.
But for parents who do not earn
enough or who are unemployed, the dilemma lies between spending what little
they have on food or books. For the children of a couple at Kg Batong who are
deep in debt, the choice is simple. School is too much to deal with for hungry
children. How can they focus? So, four of the siblings opted to stay home
instead of attending their classes. Fortunately, the authorities have come forward
to provide them assistance by putting them in hostels for the coming school
year.
Yesterday, we cited the
principal of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Religious School in Kg Saba
who said 40 per cent of parents whose children attend the school are
unemployed. Othman Hj Ismail said their parents' situation has directly
affected the students' attendance. In response, the deputy minister of
Religious Affairs Pg Dato Paduka Hj Bahrom Hj Bahar said the ministry will act
accordingly.
Throughout the week, the
Ministry of Education (MoE) has been actively disbursing financial assistance
to children from underprivileged families. On Tuesday, the MoE presented $400
each to a total of 1,340 students in the Brunei-Muara District. Yesterday,
students from Tutong were given a similar aid, while another ceremony is being
held in Temburong today. Although parents do not need to verify with the
authorities how they spend the money, "we expect the parents entrusted
with the funds to spend where it counts", said an official.
Education is a way out of
poverty. If all parents understand this, they will try their hardest to ensure
their children, at the very least, finish secondary school.
Life is hard enough as it is,
and the future will be more competitive. So parents, give your children a
fighting chance. Keep them in school, please.
Editorial
Brunei Times
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