MOE studying co-curricular recognition for prison school students seeking university admission

The Education Ministry (MOE) is investigating the possibility of granting merit recognition for co-curricular activities, such as sports, for students attending institutions within correctional centers, in order to facilitate their entrance into university. This decision comes from Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who emphasized that these students should be given the chance to pursue further education after completing their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams and leaving the institutions.

Fadhlina stated that the merit earned through participation in co-curricular activities could be considered when these students apply to continue their education at the next level.

Addressing the matter during the closing ceremony of the 17th Hijrah Kasih Programme, organized by the MOE in collaboration with the Malaysian Prison Department, Fadhlina explained that this move is one of the improvements being considered to ensure that educational opportunities for students in prison institutions do not cease upon completion of their schooling.

Besides acknowledging co-curricular merit, the ministry will also discuss the potential awarding of skills certificates to students who engage in skills training while incarcerated, Fadhlina added. The skills they acquire, such as sewing and food preparation, could prove beneficial once they re-enter society.

In related news, Fadhlina revealed that students at prisons schools have achieved a 100% pass rate in the SPM exam for two consecutive years, proving that their circumstances, including the location of their school, do not hinder their educational success. She highlighted the importance of determination over opportunity, stating that it is not about the lack of options or the institution they attend but their own drive that enables them to succeed.

The ministry is also focusing on ensuring that these students keep pace with advancements in education, including through digital learning platforms. Fadhlina mentioned that the government is exploring ways to make sure that these students remain current with educational developments outside their immediate environment. Additionally, the presence and support of parents are crucial during the most challenging periods of these students' lives, Fadhlina highlighted.

Deputy Director-General of Education (School Operations Sector), Datuk Zainal Abas, further explained that the MOE aims to have Physical, Sports and Co-curricular Assessment (PAJSK) scores for students in prison schools recognized starting from 2027, which would enable SPM candidates from that year to receive a 10% merit when applying for university admission.

Zainal emphasized that recognizing PAJSK scores is essential because sporting and co-curricular achievements can enhance the students' merit when they apply to pursue higher education.

Zainal also mentioned that the MOE is looking into providing access to the DELIMa (Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia) platform to teachers at integrity schools and Henry Gurney schools nationwide. Furthermore, the ministry is considering granting controlled access to DELIMa for students at these institutions to enable them to participate in online learning and access educational materials digitally, while ensuring that they have comparable learning facilities to those available to other students.