As schools reopen this month with online classes, parents everywhere have had to scramble to ensure their children are connected. For some, the scramble is a 15km motorcycle journey on a lonely road, surrounded by thick oil palm forests.
Every day, Orang Asli children from the Jakun tribe leave their homes in Kampung Orang Asli Kemidak, Bekok, Johor and make their way to a makeshift wooden hut, made in a clearing in the middle of an oil palm estate. The parents constructed the hut there as it is the only spot where their children can get a decent Internet connection.
When Malaysiakini visited the site, about 20 SK Kampung Dukung and SJKC Bekok students accompanied by their parents were there attending virtual lessons from their makeshift outdoor classroom. Decent Internet connection at the hut allows students to access data-heavy applications like Google Meet but studying in the jungle can get uncomfortable.
The weather is unpredictable, the mosquitoes are vicious, and there is always the possibility of wild animals disrupting lessons. Despite the circumstances, Marina Jita insists her children resume their education. “I want my child to be smart and not be like me. In my hand I hold oil palm fruit but I want my child to hold a pen in their hands in an office one day. I don’t want to see my child just hanging around like the other Orang Asli children,” said the 36-year-old.
Nineteen-year-old UiTM Segamat student Zarina Ramli admits she finds it hard to focus on her lessons while at the hut. “Many people want to ask questions and my lecturer finds it hard to respond to everyone online. Before this, I could meet my lecturers face to face and ask them my questions personally,” she said when met.
To get to the hut, children must make their way from the main road and make a short trek through the forest to arrive at the clearing. The hut in the middle of an oil palm estate in Bekok, Johor, is the only place where Kampung Orang Asli Kemidak children can get a good enough connection to attend online classes. The Internet connection is strong enough for children to use data-heavy applications such as Google Meets.
Studying at the hut is an all-day affair, and parents prepare meals on site. Another hut nearby utilizes old zinc roofing to create a shelter for students. Up to 20 children and youths from Kampung Orang Asli Kemidak make use of the hut for their studies. Some youths find a spot of their own nearby to study.
UiTM Segamat student Zarina Ramli looks for wood to reinforce the hut. Improving the hut is a continuous process. Night has fallen but parents continue to accompany their children as they attend online classes at the hut. UiTM Segamat student Zarina Ramli, 19, attends online classes into the night at the hut.
In conclusion, the challenges faced by the Orang Asli children from the Jakun tribe in accessing education during these times highlight the disparities in resources and opportunities that exist in our society. Despite the obstacles, the determination of parents like Marina Jita and students like Zarina Ramli to continue their education is truly inspiring. Their resilience and commitment to learning serve as a reminder of the importance of education and the lengths some must go to in order to access it.