— Photos: CHUAH EE CHIA
“Iskul has come a long way,” says Chuah, 40, “and this was possible because of the support, grants and sponsorships from generous parties throughout the years.” There are currently 35 students aged seven to 13, who attend Iskul from Saturday to Wednesday, from 8am to 12noon.The school started 10 years ago when Chuah went diving in Mabul island and came across people living in boats in Pulau Omadal.
“I saw a group of children playing and one of them – Sakinah – spoke Malay. I told her to ask the children if they wanted to go to school and they said no. However, when I suggested that Sakinah teach them, they agreed enthusiastically,” she says.A lot of the things that we take for granted – running water, proper waste disposal system or health clinic with doctor and nurses – are not available to them, says Chuah.The school also teaches students about the environment and basic sanitation.
There is no healthcare facility on the island so Iskul has started a mini clinic to provide first aid to the community.