# Iskul

> Be part of our community at Iskul


## Posts

- [Protect Malaysian Children from Statelessness, Help Shima get her rightful citizenship](https://iskul.my/protect-malaysian-children-from-statelessness-help-shima-get-her-rightful-citizenship/): “Cikgu Shima!” a young girl cries for help, hobbling over on an injured foot. The girl is a stateless Bajau Laut child, who had stepped on a shell and cut herself. Like all the other kids, she knew to promptly come to Iskul for medical assistance, and to look for Shima. Shima calmly washed the wound. She medicated it and covered it up in a band aid. This has become routine for her. This story is just one of a hundred. Shima gets calls by grown-ups and children every day on Omadal. They are looking for medical help. She has […]
- [Solidarity with the Bajau Laut community](https://iskul.my/solidarity-with-the-bajau-laut-community/): We stand in solidarity with the stateless Bajau Laut community. Their homes and boats on small islands in Sabah have been demolished. We are deeply concerned for the vulnerable children, women, and men left without shelter and food. We recognise the Bajau Laut’s long-standing presence in the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas as sea nomads. Their ancestors have roamed these waters for generations, practicing subsistence fishing, collecting sea products and contributing to the local economy. Historical records include those of Spenser St John and Verschuer in 1862. These records document encounters with nomadic Bajaus in the north and northeast coast of […]
- [Nominated for an award by Unicef](https://iskul.my/our-co-founder-khairul-was-nominated-for-an-award-by-unicef/): Several years have passed since Khairul, our co-founder was nominated for this award. His work with Iskul still makes a huge difference in the lives of the stateless children on Omadal. Khairul is Iskul’s co-founder and pioneer Mastal Arikik. He was one of the first to teach the younger students. This formed the basis for our educational structure at Iskul. Not many young boys want to spend their free time after school teaching others. But, he picked up the role and continues to advocate for his community till today. He conducted the first trial class at 14, and committed to […]
- [Iskul students stepped up to learn how to make a water filtration system](https://iskul.my/iskul-students-stepped-up-to-learn-how-to-make-water-filtration-system-for-their-community/): Iskul works with Engineers Without Borders Malaysia (EWBM) to enhance water access to all stateless households in Omadal. This project is funded by a grant from the UNDP SGP. This project enhances the current Iskul YHSG 2020’s commitment to improve water access to 30 stateless households in Omadal. Our model is one that includes collaborative effort with the community. We give the recipients 100L water tanks. They will strengthen the platform of their houses before receiving the water tanks. The improved version includes a water filtration system that was absent in the earlier version. Our system will filter and clean […]
- [Rendy’s Story - An early medical intervention by Iskul](https://iskul.my/rendys-story-an-early-medical-intervention-by-iskul/): Rendy (our student) fell off the bridge near his house, hit some sharp object on the ground and wounded his forehead. He received no medical attention until we found out about it on Day 3. We immediately contacted the Hospital Director in Hospital Semporna and showed him photos of Rendy’s wound. He advised us to bring him to the emergency room as soon as possible. They might need to send him to Tawau Hospital. The wound looked bad and contaminated. On Day 4, we rushed Rendy to the hospital. We also purchased groceries for students’ meals on the same trip. […]
- [Stateless before are now empowering their own community](https://iskul.my/three-stateless-teenagers-without-access-to-education-are-now-empowering-their-own-community/): Three stateless teenagers without access to education now empower their own community. YHSG 2020 has provided Iskul with enough funds to hire three of our graduates to teach the stateless children in their own community. They are Delah, Enidah, and Bilkuin.  The monthly allowance has enabled them to fully focus on the Iskul work in three main areas. First is to teach basic literacy to their friends five days a week. Second, we need to communicate and oversee the water tanks project. This project aims to improve water access for 30 households in the stateless community. Finally, identify 20 pregnant […]
- [Iskul’s On-Land Performance](https://iskul.my/iskuls-on-land-performance/): In June 2022, 10 of our students performed in the graduation ceremony of Sekolah Alternatif, Borneo Komrad in Semporna. It was the first time the students left their home on water and stayed overnight on land. We have heard stories of land-sickness for those who have been living on the sea. We did not realise that it would happen to our students. We were unprepared and did not bring any anti-nausea medications. The students stayed a night in Semporna before the performance to rehearse. On the second day, a few of them started to feel land-sick. Yet it didn’t stop […]
- [My first trip to Omadal Island](https://iskul.my/my-first-trip-to-omadal-island/): by Vince  During the summer break, My family and I went to Malaysia. We flew to Sabah state, then went to Omadal Island on July 17, 2022 by boat. I have heard stories about Bajau Laut (Sama DiLaut) ancestors who lived in the Coral Triangle (between Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines) for generations but have received no recognition of citizenship from any of these countries. Some of the children that live in Omadal Island are stateless because both of their parents are undocumented. We were there to support Iskul,  a community school that offers basic education to these children.  After […]
- [Trip to Omadal Island](https://iskul.my/trip-to-omadal-island/): By Lindsey Luo Lindsey Luo and family volunteered at Pondok Iskul, Omadal for 3 days where they shared their knowledge and culture with Iskul students and the students shared theirs with them. Lindsey and family helped Iskul in many ways such as bringing educational items, Lego and assisting with our inventory system. Below is a short recap by Lindsey of the family’s experience at Iskul. We went to Omadal on July 17th, 2022 and stayed there for 2 nights and 3 days. It was very interesting for me because I had never done something similar before. My family and I […]
- [COVID-19 Food Aid](https://iskul.my/covid-19-food-aid/): During the COVID-19 outbreak, Iskul ran a two-fold food aid programme for B40 residents in Omadal. Below is a brief overview of the beneficiaries of our food aid programme. Programme 1: 52 B40 households and 158 stateless households in Omadal Island (Total: 210 households) Programme 2: 54 B40 households and 167 stateless households in Omadal Island (Total: 221 households) Programme 1 began on the 23rd of October when Iskul received the food supplies that we purchased in 2 boats from provided by Semporna Heroes. Our partner, Wanita Pulau Omadal (WAPO) then helped distribution the food baskets to Omadal’s Malaysian residents whereas Iskul […]
- [Apa yang telah kita belajar daripada Covid-19](https://iskul.my/apa-yang-telah-kita-belajar-daripada-covid-19/): Enam bulan sudah berlalu sejak kita mula berhadapan dengan krisis pandemik Covid-19. Ini bermakna setengah daripada tahun 2020 kita menjalani hidup yang penuh dengan rasa ketakutan, ketidaktentuan, misteri dan keliru. Tiada seorang pun di dunia hari ini boleh menjangkakan apa yang akan terjadi pada hari-hari yang mendatang. Ternyata manusia masih naif dan miskin pengetahuan untuk melakukan perancangan, jauh daripada gambaran masyarakat modenisasi yang kita banggakan itu. Ketika tulisan ini di tulis, jumlah korban disebabkan oleh wabak Covid-19 telah mencecah hampir 380 ribu orang. Sehingga kini masih tiada vaksin bagi wabak ini dan menurut Prof Shi Zhengli, ahli virologi, virus yang […]
- [Students’ Progress Evaluation (2015-2018)](https://iskul.my/students-progress-evaluation-2015-2018/): Overall, we are pleased with the result considering that the actual time our 16 students spent on a normal schooling period is just less than 4 months. Based on our observation, Iskul students have mastered basic numeracy, however, they are still mostly weak in the Bahasa Malaysia language, although most of them have no problem understanding and engage in basic conversation in Bahasa Malaysia. The greatest outcome is that two of our students from this test have now become Mastal Arikik (MA) to teach the new batch of students.
- [Media Statement: Iskul Hopes to Partner with Relevant Authorities to Expedite Relief for the Stateless Community in Omadal](https://iskul.my/media-statement-iskul-hopes-to-partner-with-relevant-authorities-to-expedite-relief-for-the-stateless-community-in-omadal/): An estimated 900-1,000 stateless individuals living off the coast of Omadal Island have exhausted their food supply and savings this MCO. Iskul hope to partner with relevant authorities to help distribute the relief to the community as soon as possible.
- [Gabungan Guru Alternatif Menawarkan Khidmat Memudahcarakan Bantuan Bencana daripada Kerajaan kepada Masyarakat Terpinggir di Negeri Sabah](https://iskul.my/gabungan-guru-alternatif-menawarkan-khidmat-memudahcarakan-bantuan-bencana-daripada-kerajaan-kepada-masyarakat-terpinggir-di-negeri-sabah/): Gabungan Guru Alternatif menyambut baik usaha kerajaan untuk memberikan bantuan bekalan kepada semua penduduk dan menawarkan khidmat memudahcara.
- [Iskul's 1st Students' Convocation & Mastal Arikik Appreciation Ceremony 2020](https://iskul.my/iskuls-1st-students-convocation-mastal-arikik-appreciation-ceremony-2020/): We have successfully concluded our very first Majlis Konvokesyen Pelajar Dan Penghargaan Mastal Arikik Iskul 2020 | Iskul Students Convocation and MA Appreciation Ceremony 2020, on the night of 23 February.
- [Iskul's Hari Sukan 2020](https://iskul.my/iskuls-hari-sukan-2020/): The community really enjoyed sukaneka! So, we bring the fun to the community again with hope to improve the relationship of the local community.
- [Testimonial from Iskul Field Coordinator, Aida](https://iskul.my/testimonial-from-iskul-field-coordinator-aida/): Aida who was with Iskul for most of 2018 shares her experiences helping the stateless community in her home island.
- [Iskul Home Visits & Group Interviews (2019)](https://iskul.my/iskul-home-visits-group-interviews-2019/): During the field visit in September 2019, Iskul visited 16 homes of our students.
- [Annual Field Visit 2019 (Finally!)](https://iskul.my/annual-field-visit-2019-finally/): It has been over two years since any of the management team members visited Semporna and boy, did the town changed!
- [Sayangi Malaysiaku - Iskul Celebrates Malaysia Day 2019](https://iskul.my/sayangi-malaysiaku-iskul-celebrates-malaysia-day-2019/): Iskul celebrates the spirit of #IBelong during Malaysia Day this year!
- [Hari Sukaneka dan Majlis Anugerah Cemerlang 2018](https://iskul.my/hari-sukaneka-dan-majlis-anugerah-cemerlang-2018/): After some time of planning and preparation, Iskul coordinated the Hari Sukaneka & Majlis Anugerah Cemerlang on 30 December 2018, aptly marking the end of another year of learning and acknowledging everyone’s effort for the year. 
- [Iskul introduces Mentor-Mentee Programme](https://iskul.my/iskul-introduces-mentor-mentee-programme/): Iskul kickstarted a Mentor-Mentee Programme with hope to empower senior students to teach their junior peers. It is also an attempt to build the path to recruit Mastal Arikik from the stateless community. 
- [Iskul 2nd Strategic Planning Meeting and Iskul’s first Annual General Meeting](https://iskul.my/iskul-2nd-strategic-planning-meeting-and-iskuls-first-annual-general-meeting/): Our Headmistress, Kak Roziah and Field Coordinator, Aida spent their fasting month away from Omadal Island and attended our first AGM!
- [Pondok Iskul Dream Made Possible with Mah Sing Foundation Grant!](https://iskul.my/pondok-iskul-dream-made-possible-with-mah-sing-foundation-grant/): Iskul is one of the recipients for Mah Sing Foundation 2018 Grant allocated to construct Pondok Iskul and basic furnishing of the space!
- [Roundtable to Discuss Methodology of Participatory Assessments with Bajau Laut & Neighbouring Communities](https://iskul.my/roundtable-to-discuss-methodology-of-participatory-assessments-with-bajau-laut-neighbouring-communities/): Iskul was invited by UNHCR to attend the Roundtable and exchanged information and share potential common challenges.
- [Annual Field Visit & Induction with Iskul’s first Field Coordinator](https://iskul.my/annual-field-visit-induction-with-iskuls-first-field-coordinator/): The brief 5-day visit from 5 - 9 August was also critical to follow-up on permissions from District Officer and Ketua Kampung to build Pondok Iskul on Omadal Island. Ee Chia also managed to provide a brief induction with Iskul first Field Coordinator - Rozaliah.
- [Year 1 - The Experiment](https://iskul.my/year-1-the-experiment/): Iskul's year 1 has been colourful. Read about the highlights here.
- [The First Annual Assessment Visit](https://iskul.my/the-first-annual-assessment-visit/): It was a joy to see our students eagerness in learning and wanting more classes. They also displayed a persistent spirit in completing all test questions despite not knowing the answer.
- [Malaysia Day Class](https://iskul.my/malaysia-day-class/): Our students arrived very early on the morning of the Malaysia Day, eager to attend to class. Ee Chia and I are even more excited as we present them their first Iskul t-shirt that morning. That smile on their face! What a way to start a morning! They were all quickly changed and were dressed in an enthusiastic red for the Malaysia Day class.
- [Iskul Anniversary & Award Day Celebration](https://iskul.my/iskuls-anniversary-and-award-day-celebration/): Iskul Sama DiLaut Omadal (Iskul) proudly marked their first anniversary since the project which started in August last year.  Iskul’s milestone belongs to everyone, namely our students, our Mastal Arikik, our Headmistress, and our donors. Therefore, it is only apt that we celebrate the time and effort they have invested in Iskul. We recognise our student’s attendance to class and we recognise their effort in learning, although unfortunately through grades for now. We recognise our Mastal Arikik’s time and effort to teach. We recognise our Headmistress who multitasks between home, community, environment and Iskul. In short, Iskul wants to recognise and award everyone for being part of the making of Iskul for the past one year.    
- [Students' Progress Evaluation after 1 Year (September 2016)](https://iskul.my/students-progress-evaluation-after-1-year-september-2016/): After one year, 71% of our students can write their own name while 57% can write A to Z. Our observations shows that our students are able to enumerate the alphabets from A to Z and 1-50 eloquently.  
- [The Bajau Laut Community in Semporna at a Glance](https://iskul.my/the-bajau-laut-community-in-semporna-at-a-glance/): Why are the sea-nomads in Sabah? Their history is a complicated one. Some of them have been around the islands of Semporna before the formation of Malaysia.
- [The Beginning of Iskul](https://iskul.my/the-beginning-of-iskul/): Once, I get to speak to the children through a little girl of Bajau Laut and Bajau parentage, Sakinas (Kinas). She became my translator as she can speak both Malay and Bajau. Through her, I asked the Bajau Laut children (mostly  her cousins and playmates) if they want to go to school. Many of them shook their head because they think they are not smart enough for school. Many feel shy and inferior to be in school as they have never been to one. I then asked if they would give it a try if Kinas teaches them instead of a schoolteacher. Their eyes brighten up and nodded their heads. I asked the 11-year-old Kinas if she’s willing to teach her friends on weekends and receives a small allowance. She nodded.

## Pages

- [Funders and Partners](https://iskul.my/funders-and-partners/): Funders & Partners Meet our contributors who make the work we do possible every day. Yayasan Hasanah has been at the forefront of our operations, and provided a lifeline to us that has allowed exonential growth to our organisation and our children. Visit site The UNDP Small Grants Programme funded our waste management project, health awareness and vaccination campaigns, and marine stewardship training. Visit site A grant by the National Democratic Institute, Malaysia, funds our menetal health training and the second marine module training. Visit site The Institute Statelessness and Inclusion played a role in tiding us over during the MCO, when […]
- [Videos](https://iskul.my/gallery/): Gallery Look into our gallery, and get some insight to the work that we do.
- [Iskul Newsletters](https://iskul.my/newsletter-archive/): Newsletters Stay informed about how our classes are going. Learn what our students and staff have been up to. Get updates on our projects and plans for the future. Archive
- [Our Community](https://iskul.my/our-community/): Mastal Arikik (Little Teachers) The first few Mastal Arikik we had were Malaysian students on the island. They would help with classes on weekends. Today, our pioneer MA are moving on to bigger things, and some of Iskul’s students are taking on the role. Proactive child who rose above all expectations Delah joined us at eleven, learning the basics of mathematics, Bahasa Malaysia within three years. She continued learning while working as a housekeeper, and in July 2019, stepped up to teach at Iskul. She also leads a project. This project creates a stream of income for the stateless women […]
- [Awards & Grants](https://iskul.my/awards-and-grants/): Awards & Grants Award Gamuda Inspiration Award Iskul was awarded the Gamuda Inspiration Award. This award allocated RM120,000 towards our work. This bestowal has entirely changed the horizon for us. The funds from these awards have supported a salary for several full-time staff. This includes Mastal Arikik. They have also allowed for the expansion of our daily activities and curriculum. Award The Star Golden Hearts Award In 2022, Iskul was a proud recipient of The Star Golden Hearts Award. This award is given annually to celebrate everyday Malaysians. It honours those who show extraordinary commitment to social work and promote […]
- [Our Story](https://iskul.my/our-story/): Our Journey From a simple weekend class on our principal’s porch to now. 2015 The Beginning Iskul started as weekend classes on our principal’s porch, led by young Mastal Arikik who taught their stateless peers. These early sessions laid the foundation for community-led education on Omadal Island. 2016 Strengthening Foundations Our Board expanded, and we carried out our first evaluation visit. Classes continued steadily, and our second year reaffirmed the importance and growing impact of the programme. 2017 Expanding Capacity We trained new Mastal Arikik, published our first Financial Summary, and ran fundraising campaigns. With support from Mah Sing Foundation, […]
- [Press](https://iskul.my/press/): Press Every time we are featured in the Press, more people see what we do.
- [Projects & Reports](https://iskul.my/projects/): Projects & Reports We’ve come a long way since our first class held on a patio. General Reports
- [Volunteer](https://iskul.my/volunteer/): Hey, If you’re interested to Volunteer with us, here is how you can go about it! Email your CV or resume to info@iskul.my along with: Requests are usually acknowledged within 7 working days, but responses can take longer as our Trustees are volunteers. Short-notice requests be declined if there is not enough time to coordinate with Iskul on Omadal Island. Volunteers share their skills, teach, and inspire our Mastal Arikik.
- [Blog](https://iskul.my/blog-posts/)
- [Media Guidelines](https://iskul.my/media-guidelines/): Media Guidelines We always appreciate efforts to spread the word. But please follow our media guidelines to guarantee the safety & dignity of the children we serve. If you are interested in conducting feature stories for Iskul, please email your inquiry to info@iskul.my. This includes interviews for news columns, documentaries, and news clips. It also involves shootings or filming for documentaries and short videos. Photography for exhibitions and research is another possibility. You can also ask for usage of any part of the short stories or intend to visit Iskul. Kindly include the ensuing details for our reference: We would greatly […]
- [Contact us](https://iskul.my/contact/): Contact Email or message us on WhatsApp for any enquiries and requests.
- [Contribute to fund our work](https://iskul.my/contribute/): Contribute Every bit of help makes all the difference to us! . Bank Transfer Bank: Public BankAccount Number: 3216514631Account Name: Persatuan Pendidikan Bajau Laut(Iskul Sama diLaut Omadal) Please email your transfer receipt & the donation purpose to info@iskul.my to let us know.
- [Iskul Sama diLaut Omadal](https://iskul.my/): Our Mission Iskul (‘school’ in the Bajau Laut language) is a community-led school. It serves as a support hub for the stateless children and families of the Bajau Laut (sea-nomad) community. Since 2015, we have provided basic literacy and holistic education. We also offer community support to empower youth who otherwise lack access to formal schooling. We believe every child deserves the chance to learn. They should also have the opportunity to grow and become a leader. This should be true regardless of their background or documentation status. What we do Lessons Students have daily lessons on Malay and Mathematics. […]

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