Dropout Prevention Initiatives for Malaysian Indigenous Orang Asli Children.

Abstract

This paper discusses dropout prevention initiatives by the Malaysian government for the disadvantaged indigenous Orang Asli people in the rural villages of Peninsular Malaysia. The roles of the Ministry of Education (MOE) as well as the Institutes of Teacher Education (ITEs) are highlighted pertaining to efforts at improving the quality of education for elementary school Orang Asli children. The out-reach programs and in-service courses for teachers in Orang Asli Schools are highlighted. Challenges faced in the implementation of these initiatives are also discussed.