Kuala Lumpur, 15 July 2024 – Schools, particularly in rural areas, face significant challenges in securing adequate funding for survival and capacity building. Recent studies indicate that nearly 40% of schools in these regions lack essential resources, leading to subpar educational outcomes and increased dropout rates. With the education system under strain, it is imperative to address these funding gaps to ensure a sustainable future for our children.

The need for schools to diversify their funding sources has never been more critical. Many institutions are relying solely on government grants, which often fall short of meeting operational needs. By securing additional funding, schools can implement programs that foster positive impacts on student performance and well-being. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education and Goal 1 on No Poverty, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to quality education for all.

Projek SEMADI is a transformative initiative designed to tackle these pressing issues head-on. By providing a comprehensive framework for funding and resource allocation, Projek SEMADI serves as a catalyst for schools to enhance their operational capabilities and educational outcomes. The initiative focuses on building strong partnerships with donors and leveraging technology to optimize resource utilization.

“Projek SEMADI represents a new frontier in educational funding, where collaboration and innovation meet to uplift our schools,” said a Prof M Nazri Muhd, Founder/Chairman from the Centre for AI Innovation (CEAI), the AI partner for the project. “By utilizing artificial intelligence, we can analyze data effectively to maximize the impact of each donation.”

Pertubuhan Khayr Malaysia (KHAYR), as the Project Manager, emphasizes the importance of structured implementation: “Our role is to ensure that Projek SEMADI is not just a theoretical framework but a practical solution that leads to tangible outcomes for schools and communities.”

Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak Yatim Kelantaan (Pekayatim), serving as the NGO partner, highlights the collaborative nature of the initiative: “Together, we are creating a network that empowers schools to diversify their funding sources and engage with local communities effectively.”

In the next six months, Projek SEMADI aims to achieve the following goals:

1. Establish partnerships with at least 50 schools, focusing on those in rural areas.
2. Implement funding strategies that lead to a 30% increase in resource allocation for participating schools.
3. Launch educational programs that directly impact over 10,000 students by providing scholarships and training.
4. Develop a robust reporting system that ensures transparency and accountability in fund usage.

Projek SEMADI is not just a funding initiative; it is a comprehensive approach to fostering sustainable educational growth and improving the quality of life for students and communities alike. With collective efforts and strategic partnerships, we can pave the way for a brighter future.

For media enquiries, contact Addiennur Hamizah, Head of Global Partnerships, CEAI; hamizah@ceaiglobal.com | +65 9627 9757.

Reference links:

1. Schools for poor will cause segregation, says Sarawak deputy minister.

2. A Closer Look At Urban vs Rural Schools

3. Malaysia CMCO: No internet access, teacher prints school work for Orang Asli students in Perak State