MAJORITY of urban poor parents want their children to return to school as they lack gadgets and laptops needed for online learning, a recent survey revealed.

The parents also said the government’s EduTv was not effective and their children were not able to concentrate on educational programmes.

These findings were revealed in Part 4 of the Families on the Edge report, commissioned by Unicef and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support evidence, informed policies and dialogue on the Covid-19 pandemic.

The survey found that 82% of families at low-cost housing in Kuala Lumpur wanted their children to return to school instead of undertake online learning.  

Their findings revealed 49% of the respondents said their children cannot concentrate on online studies while 43% said there was lack of study space and another 23% said they have no access to gadgets.

Lead author of the report, DM Analytics managing director Dr Muhammed Abdul Khalid, said children are the most vulnerable as schools are closed.

“Nine of 10 respondents said their children will use smartphones (for studies). But, there are three children and only one smartphone.

“What if their parents need to go to work? Then they don’t have any gadgets. Children are finding it difficult and have lost interest in their studies,” he said during the launch of the report.

The survey, which was conducted from the end of February till the middle of March, involved 500 poor families from 16 people’s housing projects in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia will go under the movement-control order (MCO) from tomorrow until June 7 to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. During that time, all schools will be closed. Exception is for those having to sit for international examinations.

Nurseries and daycare centres can operate based on strict standard operating procedure.

According to the survey, only 35% of households have access to computer, laptops, while 88% relied on smartphones.

The report also stated that six in 10 parents said that EduTV has been helpful, while the rest reported a range of limitations, including children understanding of the programme. 

Children Rights Coalition Malaysia representative Cathryn Anila said poor children have always been affected even before MCO. 

“It just that the pandemic amplified the situation. Digital resilience is crucial to the students’ studies. 

“If they (children) are provided with gadgets then it is crucial to teach them how to use it.  

She also said mental health issues among students need to be addressed. 

“Those who have no gadgets of access to studies will be affected. This will impact the children’s wellbeing. 

“Not only parents, but teachers also need to understand their mental health problems.”

Anila said that mental health issues can be treated. 

“It needs to be talked about and discussed more. So, it must be addressed properly.”

As for getting gadgets, Dr Narimah Awin, a technical adviser for sexual and reproductive health and rights at UNFPA Malaysia said that wealthy Malaysians should help out.

“They should help provide gadgets for them (needy students).

“It will take time. But, this issue of gadgets needs to be solved.” – May 11, 2021.