A 15-year-old student in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, recently left school to work as a car washer, earning RM80 per week to support her family after their eviction. According to social activist Abbe Hae, the teenager’s mother and four younger siblings faced extreme poverty after the family’s primary breadwinner was incarcerated for a non-drug-related offense. The family’s displacement was compounded by four months of unpaid rent, which led to their eviction and forced the children to abandon their education.
Why does poverty force students out of the classroom?
Financial instability remains the primary barrier to school attendance in rural regions like Pasir Mas. According to reports by Abbe Hae, the teenager’s decision to quit her Form 3 studies was a direct response to the family’s inability to afford basic necessities like rice. When household income fails to cover food, education is often the first expense sacrificed. This reflects a broader trend of “poverty-induced absenteeism,” where children in low-income households prioritize immediate survival over long-term academic development.
According to UNICEF’s report on child poverty, financial shocks in a household are the leading cause of school dropouts among adolescents in Southeast Asia. When a primary caregiver is removed, such as through incarceration or illness, children often assume adult economic roles, significantly reducing their likelihood of returning to full-time education.
How do community-led housing initiatives help?
Stable housing is the foundation for returning children to school. After the family was evicted for unpaid rent, Abbe Hae and his volunteer team intervened to secure a new rental property located closer to local schools. By moving the family on 8 June, the activists aimed to remove the logistical barriers—such as distance and housing insecurity—that prevented the younger children from attending classes. This approach mirrors successful social welfare models that prioritize “housing-first” strategies to stabilize families before addressing secondary needs like education and job training.
How does this case compare to broader national trends?
Economic observers often contrast the experiences of urban and rural households when analyzing educational outcomes. While urban students may face challenges related to digital access, rural students in areas like Kelantan frequently struggle with basic infrastructure and physical access to schools. Data from the Ministry of Education historically shows that students in remote areas are at higher risk of dropping out when family income falls below the poverty line. Unlike cases where government aid is automatically triggered, families in this situation often rely on grassroots intervention, as seen in the work by Abbe Hae.
Pro Tips: How to help students in crisis
- Verify the source: Before donating, ensure the activist or organization has a verifiable history of helping families in the region.
- Prioritize long-term needs: Food is immediate, but school supplies and transportation costs are the sustainable solutions for long-term recovery.
- Contact local authorities: Reach out to the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to ensure the family is registered for state-level financial assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason the children stopped attending school?
The primary reasons were severe financial hardship, the need for the eldest child to earn income, and the lack of a stable home environment following an eviction.
Is the father’s incarceration related to drugs?
No, according to activist Abbe Hae, the father is serving a prison sentence for a non-drug-related offense.
How can community members support families in similar situations?
Community members can support these families by donating to reputable local welfare initiatives or reporting cases of school-aged children out of school to the nearest District Education Office.
Have you encountered or helped resolve similar cases of educational disruption in your community? Share your thoughts or local resource tips in the comments section below to help us build a network of support for those in need.
