Project TRANSEC: Transition to Secondary School Program

After six years of primary education, Tamil school students set foot into secondary school. From having studied in a mono-cultural milieu, the students would have to face a multi-ethnic and cultural environment in secondary schools. Some students may undergo culture shock as they would have never mixed and interacted with students of other races. In addition to that many students may also face difficulties in adjusting to the secondary school education system and its environment.

With this in mind, EWRF has come up with a program called “Transition To Secondary school” (Project TRANSEC) to mentally and emotionally prepare Tamil school students by providing guidance and creating awareness on the importance of secondary school education before the students enter the schools in 2008. The program is also aimed at preventing the students from embroiling into undesirable conducts which could prove to be damaging to their studies and lives.

This two hour program is conducted by EWRF officers who educate the participating students on what to expect when they cross over to secondary schools. The students are given thorough briefings on various topics such as the secondary school environment, challenges, study methods, extra curricular activities, moral values and the educational journey.

The first program was held at SJK (T) Vivekananda, Petaling Jaya on 10th September 2007. Some 100 students eagerly participated in this program. Ms Subita Nair, Executive Director of EWRF, during the program, urged the students to benefit as much as possible from this program as it paves the way for the students to equip themselves with knowledge on secondary school life. “If you are well aware of how secondary school life is and when you are good in your studies, then you would be able to lend a hand to those who are weak in their studies”, said Subita, adding that helping each other would create a stronger community.

Mr Manikam Krishnan, EWRF Manager with the aid of a power point presentation, gave a briefing on secondary schooling to the students. He called on the students to not brush aside all the struggles and challenges that they may face in secondary schools, earnestly educating and creating an interest on secondary school education among the students. At the end of the session, as a way to keep the students reminded and apprehended, they were asked to present on what have they had understood and learned throughout the program. The students were also given a handout on secondary school education.

EWRF will conduct Project TRANSEC at 12 selected Tamil schools in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor from 10th September to 25th September 2007. It is our fervent hope that Project TRANSEC would be a platform for the post UPSR students to be aware of the secondary school education system and the new challenges that await them ahead of entering secondary school.