Teenagers from a correctional hostel in Kuala Lumpur have been missing classes since the Movement Control Order kicked in March last year, raising concerns if there are many more who have been deprived of education.
Twentytwo13 learnt that several secondary school students from Asrama Sentosa, a correctional hostel in Sentul, have not been attending online classes due to poor Internet connectivity and lack of gadgets. This was confirmed by their teachers.
It is understood that the hostel’s administrators had only received computers recently but Internet connectivity remains an issue and that the “higher-ups have been notified of the matter”.
“We reached out to the boys through their wardens last year but we did not get any response,” said a teacher who requested anonymity.
“The boys are placed in the hostel for juvenile delinquency. They may have got into trouble before, but they are still entitled to receive an education.
“Are children from other correctional hostels also missing out on their studies? We must not forget they have every right to study, just like any other child,” the teacher added.
Another teacher confirmed the matter but declined to comment further.
Insiders revealed efforts are being made to boost the Internet connection at the hostel to ensure more students can go online with ease.
Representatives from Asrama Sentosa declined to comment, saying the hostel comes under the purview of the Welfare Department of Kuala Lumpur. Repeated attempts to contact the Welfare Department of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya proved futile.
