Low-income Malay-Muslim families have high hopes for their children’s education: Study

SINGAPORE — Low-income Malay-Muslim parents, like other parents, have high hopes and aspirations for their children and see education as a way to better jobs and overcoming poverty.

This was one of the findings from a study shared at a Mendaki research seminar today (April 25).

The study, which included a survey involving 22 low-income households, found that over 70 per cent of parents expect their children to be more financially stable. More than half of them hoped their children would attain at least a university degree.

Most of those surveyed said that they have to work overtime to make ends meet.

Over 80 per cent of parents felt they were insufficiently involved in their children’s development and education, and most mentioned that they felt ill equipped due to a lack of familiarity with the curriculum and and difficulties in subjects such as mathematics.

A majority of the households surveyed said they do not receive support from Family Service Centres or Community Development Councils.

Another study presented at the Mendaki seminar looked at Family Excellence Circles, which are a social support network for parents to interact and exchange ideas on how to cope with daily challenges. These circles also help families embrace life-long learning.

The study found that such support helped parents gain better insights into the education landscape, which in turn assisted their children’s learning.

Minister in charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, who was guest of honour at the seminar, said Malay-Muslim Organisations can relook their existing services and programmes to better address the needs of such families.

These findings will be useful in re-shaping Family Excellence Circles, he added. CHANNEL NEWSASIA