DROPOUTS (Counsel, Identify Students' Problems)

            In his article “Second chance for education ‘leftovers’” (NST, Dec 1), Dr.Azhari Karim suggests that dropouts be grouped into streams to match their intelligence and skills competencies in an effort to produce more manpower in different fields. 

          It is undeniable that the idea will help both the dropouts and the country’s economic growth, but this should not be an excuse for students to drop out. It may be challenging to reduce the number of dropouts in universities or colleges, but schoolchildren must finish their secondary education by any means.

Why do students leave school in the first place? The following scenarios may be the causes of the problem.

Offenders agree that rules are meant to be broken. When this practice turns into a habit, ruler breakers need to face the music since all reminders and warnings have, unfortunately, fallen on deaf ears. As a consequence, these students face detentions, suspension and expulsion that force them to leave school.

Peer pressure and social problems are other contributing factors to students dropping out of school. Some male students can be influenced by gangs, which promise them power and protection once they confirm their membership. The victims will begin to lose interest in studies as they engage in unhealthy activities like smoking, truancy and vandalism and later serious and violent crimes, including burglary, fighting and drug abuse.

As for female students, some easily fall for the sweet promises of men they hardly know, not realising that looks can be deceiving. They fall into the trap, resulting in teenage pregnancy and leave school out of embarrassment and depression.

            Some students neglect their studies to work part-time after school, on weekends or during school breaks, at the car wash, fast-food restaurants and filling stations. Some work for fun while others need to support their families. Their insatiable desire for money makes them decide to leave school.  

            While children on the other side of the world still struggle to receive an education, it is pathetic that some of us fail to appreciate the privilege of living in a country where no child is denied the right to go to school.

            Every child deserves an education. Before it is too late, we need to save our children from dropping out of school. School counselors may need to identify problematic students and carry out group or personal counseling sessions, depending on situations, to reduce the number of dropouts.

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
makes life a wonderful journey.

Truth be told, problematic students are not losers. Some rule breakers are actually bright students trapped in family problems, while others may be good in sports or have hidden talents and skills. These qualities should not be overlooked because of their disciplinary records. They may look aggressive and rude but their vulnerable side longs for attention and affection, as well as a place to belong.

Many have yet to realise that we need education just like we need food, clothing and shelter.  

Courtesy of New Straits Times

13 December 2014