Bridging Opportunity Gaps in Education: Empowering Learners and Families Through a Community-Based Initiative in Malaysia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37134/perspektif.vol17.sp.12.2025Keywords:
Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), equity and equality in education, inclusivity, community-based program, underprivileged studentsAbstract
This study aims to evaluate the impact of a community-based program to provide equal opportunity for all learners, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4). The ultimate objective of this framework is which emphasize inclusive and equitable quality education, and provide access to all children to learn. Specifically, this study will investigate the outcomes and participants’ experiences of the community-based program called Homework Coaching and Fun Learning, which initiative in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, involving families from an underprivileged background. A descriptive quantitative survey design supported with qualitative insights from open-ended responses was employed in this study. Data were collected from all 20 primary school students and 18 parents after three months of participation in this program. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 29.0.1.0, and qualitative data were interpreted using thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase process. The results indicate a notable improvement in students’ motivation, confidence, and social skills in their academic participation, accompanied by parents’ high satisfaction with the overall outcomes of their children becoming more committed to academic tasks. Alongside, it recommends a more comprehensive program that supports and contributes to direct student achievement, focusing on students who come from underprivileged families, regardless of their diverse socioeconomic, racial backgrounds, or learning needs, by embracing inclusivity. Future research should explore more such interventions to highlight and advance the equity and equality of education in Malaysia and globally.
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