An Evaluation on the Best Practices of Human Rights in Malaysian Schools

Abstract

The study investigated the schools’ experiences on SUHAKAM’s (Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia) best practices in Human Rights ATHAM (Amalan Terbaik Hak Asasi Manusia) programme. The aim of the best practices on Human Rights in schools is to create and practice a culture of human rights in schools. With the cooperation of the Ministry of Education, five schools were selected as the pilot project. The study focused on the evaluation into the aspects of challenges, ways to overcome challenges, benefits and the future plans for the programme. The study employed a mixed-method design in soliciting qualitative and quantitative data. This paper focuses on the evaluation using the qualitative method. The findings show that the challenges faced by the schools in practicing the Human Rights program are lack of knowledge; inadequate skills; and lack of community support. The results also inform that the ways to overcoming the challenges are establishing a common practice for all; integrating Human Rights in subjects and implementing ATHAM (Amalan Terbaik Hak Asasi Manusia) through various projects. Nevertheless, the results indicated that the schools had benefited from the program. The advantages are new knowledge gained; awareness and responsibilities at all levels towards the practice of Human Rights at schools. This study informs and motivates the various stakeholders to promote the implementation of Human Rights in the schools context.