Serenity in Learning Amidst the Chaos of Chow Kit

Chow Kit is often remembered as the bustling hub immortalised in Sudirman's famous song, Chow Kit Road. It's synonymous with busy streets, traffic jams, and the constant ebb and flow of pedestrians. But as the sun sets and the crowds disperse, a darker side of the area emerges. Snake oil vendors, drug peddlers, and sex workers come out, painting a stark contrast to the daytime energy of the streets.

Children grow up in this space of contrasts, witnessing life's more challenging realities from an early age. But amidst this environment, efforts to counter the effects of inner-city decay have taken root. One such effort is Buku Jalanan Chow Kit (BJCK), a remarkable initiative providing education and a safe haven for children in the heart of Chow Kit.

Founded in 2015 as a mobile library on the streets of Chow Kit, where volunteers conduct book readings led by co-founder Cikgu Siti Rahayu Binti Baharin, Buku Jalanan Chow Kit has grown into a resource and homeschooling center with three floors dedicated to classrooms and activities for at-risk and undocumented children.

"The children, aged seven to 17, can come at any time to be with their friends and participate in activities, but we have fixed periods for classes," explains Siti Athifah Ruslan, BJCK's administration manager.

“We collaborate with Arus Academy to supplement our teaching staff, ensuring children receive high-quality lessons,” she adds.

While many children are from the Chow Kit area, some travel from afar, such as Segambut, Ampang, and Gombak. The homeschooling program runs from 9.45 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, with extracurricular activities like sports and public speaking taking place on Wednesdays and Thursdays. In addition to core subjects such as Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mathematics, Science, and History, the children also have the unique opportunity to learn Japanese.

The school's premises, housed in a four-storey shophouse, include a Kopitiam on the ground floor, with the upper levels dedicated to learning and activities. Tuition classes are offered in the evenings and on weekends, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to progress academically.

One of the most significant challenges these children face is their undocumented status. Many still lack birth certificates, and those who do often remain stateless, leaving them in a precarious position within Malaysia's education and legal systems. "For us, we accept the children's backgrounds because we believe that education is the right of every child," Siti Athifah emphasises. "When they come to us, they have varying abilities; some don't know how to read or count, so we bring them up to speed."

While focusing on traditional academic learning, Buku Jalanan Chow Kit emphasises practical life skills. Each semester, children learn to handle money and manage small-scale business ventures, such as selling snacks and stationery to their peers. "We teach them a bit about business and how to manage the income they earn from these activities," Siti Athifah explains, underscoring the importance of financial literacy for the children's future.

The holistic program extends beyond academics to include arts, sports, and technology-based problem-solving activities. Dance classes are a popular highlight, and the center regularly hosts sessions that educate the children about potential dangers they may encounter, both in their physical surroundings and online. Topics range from pornography to online scams, equipping children with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of their environment.

Buku Jalanan Chow Kit faces the challenge of funding. The organisation requires RM50,000 monthly to cover rent, utilities, staff salaries, meals for the children, and other expenses. While they rely on grants and corporate sponsorships, more public support is needed to ensure the program's sustainability. "We also employ community members, including parents of the children, and individuals who, upon turning 18, have limited opportunities due to their undocumented status," adds Siti.

In a world where these children face an uncertain future, BJCK is more than just a school; it is a place where children learn, grow, and are prepared for life's challenges beyond the classroom. With continued support, Buku Jalanan Chow Kit will remain a vital source of hope for the children of Chow Kit, guiding them towards a brighter, more secure future.

When asked about BJCK’s aspirations, Siti Athiyah shared, “Our goal is to create a positive impact on the children and community of Buku Jalanan Chow Kit. By providing support and empowerment, we aim to help them break the cycle of poverty and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in a challenging future.”

Buku Jalanan Chow Kit has also published an Eyes That Speak photo book that brings together photographs by 28 students. The book "is an effort to document space issues, self-learning efforts, and explore mental health issues during the pandemic." The funds raised from the photo book sale will help fund art and photography projects with the Buku Jalanan Chow Kit community.

Support their efforts by purchasing the photo book here: Buku Foto.

You can also contribute directly to Buku Jalanan Chow Kit through Sokong and help make a difference in the lives of these children.