UNICEF program provides school to plantation kids

In Malaysia, some lucky children are being given the opportunity for an education thanks to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

KUALA LUMPOR, MALAYSIA (Catholic Online) - On the Malaysian island of Borneo, tens of thousands of immigrant laborers work the plantations. Their children are destined to grow up and work on the plantations themselves, often from as young as nine years of age. 

The vast majority of these workers are illegal immigrants from Indonesia, although some are simply impoverished migrants. In any case, many of them are undocumented and without papers, they cannot access government services, including education.

UNICEF along with a coalition of nongovernmental organizations is working to change this. They are establishing a series of plantation schools where students can be taught in their native language. The goal is to provide students with an education rather than sending them to the fields for work. It is understood that children who are educated are far more likely to contribute more to their families when they become adults.

Presently, many families provide only minimal education to their children, or none at all. Instead, children are expected to work alongside their parents and contribute. Unfortunately, this simply entrenches the cycle of labor and poverty.

Most plantations schools are substandard, and housed in low-quality structures. The new schools which are being constructed with help from UNICEF are being described as "showcases." They feature good lighting and new equipment. The facilities are spacious. Most are impressed with the schools, but not everybody. 

According to Nur Anuar Muthalib, who is the Monitoring and Education Officer for UNICEF, owners of large plantations welcome the facilities, but owners of mid-to small sized plantations do not.

This is likely because the smaller plantations are more sensitive to cost and need as much cheap labor is they can get to operate profitably. Taking children out of the fields and putting them into classrooms takes away labor.

For the most part, parents want their children to receive an education, and they send their children if they can. Many parents hope that if their children attend school, they can pass the government exams, obtain papers, and then access other government services including higher education.

Thanks to UNICEF, these hopes may finally be realized for some.

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