IN about a month’s time, the 2020 school year will begin.
I am sure most pupils and their parents are gearing up for the new learning experiences and challenges that lie ahead. This is the right way forward.
On the other hand, is the Ministry of Education ready for the new year?
There are issues that have yet to draw out clear-cut answers from the ministry. If not handled properly, they can blow up in the ministry’s face.
First, the breakfast for all programme that is to be implemented in primary schools. It has not received the overwhelming support as expected. Instead there are calls for caution, thrift and restraints. It’s a costly project that the government can ill-afford.
Breakfast should be provided only for pupils who need it. Most parents prefer to feed their children before sending them off to school. There will be a lot of food wastage and a school period have to be allocated for the breakfast.
Getting central kitchens to prepare the meals and deliver them on time to schools is logistically unviable.
In our multicultural setting, a common menu for all pupils could pose a problem.
Perhaps the ministry hatched the idea before considering all factors. If the ministry needs to do a U-turn for better outcomes, let it be so.
Will this programme benefit students in the long run?
The authorities must take a step backward and rethink the plan as it might not be suitable later on.
Better to eat humble pie now than to later mess up and withdraw the scheme in disarray.
LIONG KAM CHONG
Seremban, Negri Sembilan