Empowering underprivileged students: a collaborative education enrichment initiative by UiTM and PKAYIS

As an effort to address the educational needs of orphans who are also underprivileged students in the Segamat District, the Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Islam Daerah Segamat (PKAYIS) was established. This welfare organization aims to provide shelter and support for academic learning, particularly targeting orphans who are also underprivileged students. Recognizing the importance of academic support, UiTM Johor, initiated by Associate Professor Dr. Saunah Zainon, has joined forces with PKAYIS. UiTM academicians contribute their expertise in English, Mathematics, and Science subjects, serving as tutors and coordinators for supplementary classes or tutoring programs. Despite the evident benefits of these supplementary classes, PKAYIS faces the challenge of high tuition fees hindering orphaned children from attending external tuition. Hence, PKAYIS has taken the proactive step of bringing in external tutors, namely academicians from various faculties of UiTM. The tutors consist of lecturers from the Center for Computer Science and Mathematics Studies (PSPM, KPPIM), Academy of Language Studies, and Faculty of Accountancy. Meanwhile, the coordinators come from various colleges and faculties within UiTM Johor, and they diligently follow the set schedule and provide necessary class resources, including contributing food and beverages for attending students. This collaboration between UiTM Johor and PKAYIS extends beyond community service; it serves as a UiTM consultancy project with significant impact on the local community, particularly in the education sector. UiTM fully supports the Malaysian Ministry of Education's efforts to make the education system more inclusive. This initiative aligns with UiTM's commitment to maintaining a high-quality education system, nurturing individual potential, and contributing to national aspirations.