Empowerment in education


AS I was reflecting on Covid-19’s impact on jobs in the country, I realised that change does not happen when something new crops up, but when something old breaks apart.

Transformation in the authentic sense only takes place when the old order, whether in the form of mindset, culture, politics, education or economy, is seen as archaic and irrelevant. For example, during the movement-control order period, I observed many youth and adults breaking away from conventional, corporate work by showcasing their talents on YouTube and earning money from the views they get. There is no corporate management instructing them what to do. It’s all based on passion and self-actualisation. There are also many in the freelance business. They are self-motivated and empowered to make a living using their talents, knowledge and skills.

The old order of having a stable job and getting government subsidies seems to be unsustainable in the context of an economic downturn. What would be sustainable in the future is human capital that is entrepreneurial, problem-solving, resilient, adaptable and empowered to perform. This requires new institutions that support the grassroots community’s learning and empowerment.

The Covid-19 crisis has shown us that relying on jobs alone is inadequate in the future, as a pandemic could dismantle hard-earned progress in a short time. Only those who take responsibility for their growth beyond their jobs will survive. The future of success is about empowerment beyond jobs.

One of the exemplary institutions that have a progressive notion rooted in the principles of empowerment is the MySkills Foundation, which reaches out to dropouts and marginalised youth. Education is viewed holistically, and character plays a prominent role in the progress that complements knowledge and skills in vocational studies.

I had the opportunity to meet the foundation’s director, Pasupathi Sitamparam, who told me that building enduring character among underperforming students and empowering them has been the institution’s goal since its inception. The methodology used is coaching and mentoring to empower students and turn them into performers. MySkills has also embarked on micro-enterprises, empowering single mothers and youth to become entrepreneurs. I was amazed by the testimonies of B40 folk at a session held in Buntong Ipoh yesterday that was officiated by Ipoh Barat MP M. Kula Segaran.

Therefore, the breaking apart of the old order due to Covid-19 requires a change in how education is perceived in this country. Empowerment through engagement through mentoring and coaching is vital for communities to progress and be less dependent on the corporate world. This will bring about a transformation where talents and abilities are valued.

Community empowerment should be supported by egalitarian institutions. The Covid-19 crisis has broken the old order. It’s time to create a new philosophy and education methods, where empowerment is seen as key to progress. – July 7, 2020.

* Ronald Benjamin is secretary of the Association for Community and Dialogue.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.


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Comments


  • If Malaysia wants an excellent economy, ........ it only have to practice meritocracy in education and an equally meritocratic free market capitalist economy without restrictive rules.

    If even communist China and Vietnam have a booming economy through this model, why can't we?

    Are our politicians idiots? Maybe so. Just compare them to those in the private sector.

    Posted 3 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply