Classroom under the trees

 

KOTA KINABALU: Around 7am each morning, a group of young students can be heard singing Mandarin children’s songs as they do their “homework” by the roadside under the trees.

None of them have Chinese facial features, nor do they speak the language at home. 

But they have kind-hearted volunteers who spend a few hours on alternate days teaching them basic speaking, writing, and arithmetic skills in an informal setting.

One of the volunteers, a contract professional who wishes to be known only as "Madam Leong," has been teaching the children for many years.

“It is not easy to teach even the basics in English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Chinese because they lack a conducive environment to practice. Their parents also have little to no access to formal education,” she said.

“However, the children consistently attend these informal classes while their mothers sit some distance away. I can see that they are actually quite bright, able to pick up Chinese words from songs and conversations.

 “I don’t set high academic expectations, but I hope what they learn will help them in the future,” said the 69-year-old, who occasionally brings toys and treats to reward the children.

Madam Leong added that these children are already the third generation living in Sabah without any legal documentation.

“It’s a vicious cycle as without documents, they have little hope of improving their living conditions.

“The men may find work at construction sites or doing hard labour, but what about the women? That’s why I teach them English, Chinese, and Malay, at least they might have better chances of securing domestic work with decent employers.“

She also believes the public can play a role by informally educating stateless children wherever possible.

Madam Leong shared that a representative from the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) once inspired her to use natural materials like rocks and branches as teaching aids.

“It means that anyone can teach children on the streets without needing extra resources,” she said.