The Yayasan Amir Trust Schools Programme

Transforming Education in Malaysia

location: Malaysia

The Yayasan AMIR Trust Schools Programme (TSP) is a collaborative initiative between the Malaysian Ministry of Education and Yayasan AMIR, a foundation established by Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund. The program, launched in 2010, aims to enhance the quality of learning and teaching in selected government schools, with a focus on holistic development and improved student outcomes.

Objective

The Yayasan AMIR Trust Schools Programme seeks to transform schools through a comprehensive and sustainable five-year intervention. By empowering school leadership, teachers, students, and the community, the program strives to enhance educational outcomes and provide students with a well-rounded education.

Programm evolution

Building on the success and lessons learned from TSP 1.0, the program was enhanced and relaunched as TSP 2.0 in 2019. TSP 2.0 adopts a tailored approach, catering to the specific needs of each school. It involves close collaboration with state and district education departments to ensure sustainability beyond the program's completion. The intervention period has been intensified, focusing on three years to maximize impact.

Program components

Collaborating with NGOs: The store partnered with NGOs such as Ocean Materials and New Life Plastic to deliver workshops and managed the retail space for several eco-friendly brands, ensuring product authenticity and avoiding greenwashing.

Workshop Experience: The store offered hands-on experiences related to the environmental impact of plastic pollution, encouraging participants to take action and make conscious choices.

Media Engagement: The store actively engaged with media outlets, companies, schools, universities, and investors, offering tours and sparking collaborations to amplify the reach and impact of their educational initiatives.

Collaboration with Brands: Sustainable brands were invited to showcase their products, with the store earning a commission on every sale. This mutually beneficial arrangement eliminated the need for brands to pay rent.

Outcomes

As of 2019, the Yayasan AMIR Trust Schools Programme has benefited 90 Trust Schools, impacting approximately 5,700 teachers and 67,900 students. The program has contributed to improved teaching practices, enhanced student outcomes, and a more inclusive and engaging learning environment. By involving the community and providing targeted support, the program has created a lasting impact on education in Malaysia.

Conclusion

The Yayasan AMIR Trust Schools Programme is a successful collaborative effort between the Malaysian Ministry of Education and Yayasan AMIR, aiming to improve education quality in government schools.

By focusing on holistic development and providing comprehensive support, the program has made significant strides in enhancing teaching and learning practices, benefiting both students and the wider community. The continued success and expansion of the Trust Schools Programme exemplify the positive impact of public-private partnerships in the education sector.