KUALA LUMPUR — The Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) have commenced nationwide implementation of the Kalvi MADANI program, an RM8 million targeted educational drive aimed at helping B40 Tamil school students master core 3M skills—reading (Membaca), writing (Menulis), and arithmetic (Mengira).
Speaking on the program’s progress following its early July launch, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh emphasized that the initiative provides direct academic remediation for primary school pupils struggling with foundational competencies.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh speaks at the official launch of the Kalvi MADANI initiative (left). Under the RM8 million MITRA-funded program, B40 Tamil school primary students participate in free after-school remedial classes led by educators (right) to strengthen core 3M skills: Membaca (reading), Menulis (writing), and Mengira (arithmetic).Targeted Reach and Welfare Provisions
The program directly targets 10,410 students selected from 315 Tamil National-Type Primary Schools (SJKT) across Malaysia.
To support learning and ease financial burdens on participating B40 families, the RM8 million MITRA allocation funds:
- After-School Tuition Sessions: Free supplementary classes conducted in collaboration with registered tuition centers and qualified educators.
- Nutritional & Learning Support: Complimentary meals provided during post-school sessions, along with learning kits, school bags, and essential stationery.
- Teacher Allowances: Structured honorariums to compensate educators and coordinators involved in after-school instruction.
Part of RM20.8 Million SJKT Upgrade Framework
Kalvi MADANI serves as the academic intervention component of a larger RM20.8 million package launched for Tamil schools by the Human Resources Ministry, MOE, and MITRA.
This broader framework includes:
- RM12.8 Million Furniture Initiative: Upgrading desks, chairs, and laboratory equipment across 362 government-aided SJKTs.
- Digital Classroom Upgrades: Distributing smartboards to 140 SJKTs nationwide to enhance digital learning environments.
- RM50 Million Maintenance Pool: Dedicated funding allocated for physical school repairs and infrastructure maintenance in SJKTs.
Wong noted that MOE and MITRA will monitor student progress metrics during this initial phase to evaluate future expansion to additional schools.
