Malaysian Indigenous Minority Children on the Education Chessboard

Joemin Maratin and Karla J. Smith

4th International Language and Education Conference Bangkok, 6-8 November, 2013

- There are about 70 Ethnic groups in Sabah.

More then 50 languages with more then 90 different dialects. 2

EDUCATION for ALL (EFA) Malaysia: Early childhood education emphasis National Education Act 1996 preschool education

part of school system National Preschool Curriculum 2003

POLICY affecting the indigenous minorities Preschool Education: Bahasa Malaysia medium of instruction Primary school by age 7 years; Bahasa Malaysia medium of instruction.

3

“Every child is precious and children are assets to our society…”

Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak April 2009 Malaysian International ECEC Conference

Indigenous Minority Children: Maximize time in the heritage language/mother tongue: 3-4 years: 100% heritage language 5 years: 90% heritage language 6 years: 80% heritage language

4

Playsch 1 (3 years) Playsch 2 (4 years ) Preschool (5 years) Preschool (6 years) Primary 1 -5 ??

Language HL* HL=MT

Language Oral HL

Language in HL; beginning reading and writing in HL

Language in HL; reading and writing

Reading and writing HL

Maths HL HL HL HL

Science, Health HL HL HL HL

Art, music, crafts HL HL HL HL HL (Traditional

arts; culture)

Language L2 Oral Malay Beginning reading and writing in L2

Language L3 Oral English

Approx. % use of Language

100% 100% L1 90% L2 10%

L1 80% L2 10% L3 10%

Class 1-2 hours daily

5

Aid families in the intergenerational transmission of their own language and culture

Enable the children to know their own heritage and roots as well as to have a sense of identity; Preparation for the changing world which is becoming more and more global

Build a strong foundation in their own language

(Smith, Karla J. (2011) Heritage Language Playschools for Indigenous

Minorities)

6

Provide a good developmental bridge to second and third languages

Develop children holistically Help the parents and other family members nurture

new attitudes, knowledge and skills. Create community involvement in owning the

program. Prepare the children for primary school.

(Smith, Karla J. (2011) Heritage Language Playschools for Indigenous Minorities)

7

Immersion in the heritage, indigenous minority language and culture

Fluency in the heritage language – the ability to talk about self and the world

Readiness skills developed while playing; PLAY is their “work” at this age

Meaning-based, not just rote or memorization

8

Iranun Playschools

9

Kimaragang Playschools

10

Rungus Playschools

11

Bajau Playschool

Circle Time

12

Theme based (weekly) Free-play with toys, puzzles etc. Circle time (directed teaching time: Language, Math,

Health & Science) Traditional and creative activities including: Stories, songs, dance, musical instruments Cultural activities, games Arts, crafts Indoor and Outdoor play time

13

Traditional musical instrument: kulingtangan

14

Winnowing Tray 15

•Persatuan Bahasa dan Kebudayaan Iranun (BKI) – 3 playschools •Persatuan Bahasa dan Budaya Sama Bajau (BSBB) – 1 playschool + 1 primary afterschool class •Persatuan Tobilung Bersatu Sabah (TOBISA) – 4 playschools •Pertubuhan Kimaragang Malaysia (PKM) – 2 Playschools •Persatuan Kebudayaan Rungus Sabah (RCA) – 2 playschools •Persatuan Suang Lotud Sabah (LOTUD)

16

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between:

SIL Malaysia

6 Association Leaders

On 20 April, 2012 Rampayan Laut

Kota Belud

17

HL Playschools: 2 years for ages 3-4 years - 12 Schools = 5 Language groups 2013

Lack of money is one main reason why no more to date - Malaysia’s Education Policy: BM as the main medium of

communication in class even in early childhood education

- The lack of understanding of MLE the importance of teaching children in their HL.

PLANS: Hoped for… (not yet achieved) Preschool 1 (5 years old) Preschool 2 (6 years old) Primary school 18

6 July, 2013

PENDIDIKAN BAHASA WARISAN SABAH

PEBAWAS: Representatives from indigenous minority groups in Sabah

19

In Process: registration of PEBAWAS Awareness raising and Promotion Contacts with other language groups Fund-raising: used for playschool expenses - distributed evenly across all associations which come under PEBAWAS.

20

21

1. More awareness among the people 2. Reach out to other minorities groups 3. More community involvement 4. More training (local people) 5. Government recognition/support 6. More politicians involvement/support 7. Sustainability

22

Given the policy constraints, how can our indigenous minority groups continue and expand without regular financial support?

How do we “compete” with beautiful buildings,

computers, supplies, free uniform, and free food daily provided for those who attend the government preschools?

23

THANK YOU 24