More schools to teach human rights values

Suhakam's ‘Best Practices of Human Rights' or ‘Atham' programme, which is aimed at educating children on human rights and character-building, will be implemented in 168 schools next year.

The programme was introduced in 2009, with five schools taking part. The number of participating schools has since increased to 21, Suhakam vice-chairperson Khaw Lake Tee said.

Speaking at a press conference after the launch of the third phase of the Atham programme yesterday, Khaw (left) said feedback from the participating schools has been very positive.

The programme, drawn up by the United Nations and adopted by Malaysia, infuses human rights principles, such as non-discriminatory practices, equality, respect and dignity into the regular school lessons and extra-curricular activities.

The aim of this programme is to instil a harmonious school and social environment.

Teachers in participating schools are specially trained by the Education Ministry to implement Atham and enlighten the children on important human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Children's Rights Convention.

Khaw said the Atham programme was not designed to test the children but to instil good values in them.

Students can voice their opinions

SMK Taman Tun Dr Ismail headmistress Hasmah Abu, who was present at the press conference, explained how her school emphasised the principle of freedom of speech, with the students being given the opportunity to voice their opinions in class and during the weekly school assembly.

The programme was also lauded by Abdul Khalid Bujang, the headmaster of SK Penderas in Temerloh, Pahang, which is a school exclusively for the Orang Asli.

Khalid said the programme helped the Orang Asli children to believe, and gave them the confidence that they can address marginalisation by active participation in inter-school activities.

His school students decided to compete in the district-level choral competition for the first time in 2011, competing against more established schools. They took the fifth spot in the competition, despite the large number of teams taking part.

"The following year, we took part in the competition again and though we remained in the fifth position, our conductor was awarded the best conductor award," Khalid added.