Kuala Lumpur:Sabah: More than 500 adults in Sabah who missed out on formal education are being provided an opportunity to master basic reading, writing, and counting (3M) skills through the Functional Literacy Education Programme (PLF) organized by the Community Development Department (KEMAS).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sabah KEMAS director Ahmad Fakhrul Azman Muhammad Radzi stated that participants are attending 25 classes this year in various locations, including urban fringe, rural, and remote areas across Kudat, Kota Marudu, Kota Belud, and several other districts.
The program primarily targets individuals aged between 15 and 65 who have not yet mastered basic 3M skills, though enrollment is open to those outside the age range based on their needs. The initiative aims to eradicate illiteracy, particularly among those who dropped out of formal education early and are still unable to read, write, and count.
Community leaders, including village heads and KEMAS teachers, help identify participants in need of literacy education. Before starting classes, participants undergo a pre-test to assess their initial skills, and a post-test is conducted upon completion to measure progress. More than 70 percent of participants have achieved an excellent level, and those who have not can repeat lessons to reach the required competency.
Regular PLF classes run for a year and are conducted by community development officers appointed by KEMAS. Additional instructors conduct six-month classes with three sessions per week in areas with greater needs.
To recognize participants and encourage continued learning, graduation ceremonies are held by class and district. This year, 375 participants from 25 classes participated in these ceremonies, receiving certificates as recognition and encouragement to continue learning.
Instructors also expose participants to livelihood and entrepreneurship skills, such as producing handicrafts and local food items, to help generate income. Participants are introduced to digital skills to help them keep pace with technological developments, including using smartphones for everyday tasks like making clinic appointments and paying bills online.
Ahmad Fakhrul emphasized the continued need for efforts to eradicate illiteracy, ensuring that no one in Sabah is left behind in education, and supporting individuals to become independent and confident in their daily lives.