BAU: Three siblings hope to continue their education after dropping out of school for being stateless citizens.
The siblings, Ila Willy (17), Ivy Willy (14) and Bryan Macklaren Willy (11) also had to stop school because their parents could not afford to pay the school fees.
Persatuan Pembangunan Insan Sarawak (PPIS) president Manjeet Kaur Sidhu and members helped the family to solve the citizenship and education problem.
When met by the media, she said her team had gone to the District Education Office (PPD) Lundu to register the children for school.
However, they told her that there were certain documents that needed to be processed and checked.
“We went to the Lundu District Office to help us with this. They told us that because the parents have the marriage certificate from National Registration Department (JPN), they need to cancel it.
“After that, they need to use their customary marriage certificate from 2004 to reapply for marriage certificate with the district office in Lundu.
“After they reapplied, then the children will automatically become citizens and able to go to school,” Manjeet explained.
She also informed that the family was temporarily staying in a relative’s home and the father, who works at a plantation, could only get RM20 to RM30 daily.
“It is not fair that they are left out from the education system because they are stateless.
“So, I will help the family so that they are able to move on with their lives without any hardship like this again.”
Apart from that, Roger Ting of McDonald’s Tabuan Jaya was also present to sponsor the siblings to buy school uniforms and equipment at Jun Rong Bau, on Thursday (April 21).
“I want to emphasise that every children deserves to have access to education and to learn. I am thankful that PPIS informed us of this so we are ready to help the family if needed,” said Ting.
Manjeet believed that the Sarawak government could make things easier for stateless children in processing the documentation and not make a hassle for them going through a lengthy process.
“There are a lot of stateless people and children, especially those from the rural parts of the state, and it is an issue.
“So, I believe that our Premier will help to make it easier for them to get their documentation sorted out.
“Thus, easy and proper documentation for them will give these people a better life such as getting proper education and access to public healthcare facilities.”
