In the coastal stilt village of Kampung Mangkalinau in Sabah, Malaysia, many stateless children lack access to formal education due to their lack of identification. To bridge this gap, educators at the Tzu Chi Alternative Learning Centre (ALC) in Sandakan offer these youths a chance to change their futures. Yet, for some families, simply affording the daily transportation to the center is an overwhelming challenge.

For 13-year-old Omar Bin Mukim, the journey between his home and the learning center requires navigating a challenging terrain. From the drop-off point outside the village, he walks past a small market and into a maze of narrow, uneven dirt paths. The route leads through a marshy area where the rising tide brings floating debris.

A precarious path to learning

Approaching Omar's home, the path transitions to a patchwork of wooden planks connecting the stilt houses built over the water. Many of these boards are weathered and damaged by the tides, requiring residents to step carefully to avoid falling into the water below. While visitors might find the walk intimidating, it is a daily reality for Omar as he pursues his education.

Sacrificing for a better future

Omar lives with his 56-year-old mother, Saridah, and his siblings. Following the passing of her husband, Saridah relies on the income of her two eldest children, who work odd jobs, to support their family of seven. The monthly transportation fee to the learning center has risen to RM80 per person, placing a heavy burden on their limited finances. Currently, she can only afford to send Omar and his older sister to classes.

Despite her frequent headaches and physical exhaustion from long-term hardship, Saridah remains resolute about her children's schooling. She believes poverty is temporary and that learning offers a path forward.

I would rather save on my own living expenses to let my children go to school. — Saridah, Mother

Saridah also finds ways to give back. In her spare time, she collects discarded plastic bottles in the village and hands them to volunteers for recycling, contributing what she can to the community. She notes that the free education provided at the center is something she is deeply thankful for.

Growing in confidence

Before Omar officially joined the center, his homeroom teacher, Azriani Binti Anang, noticed his dedication. "Whenever Tzu Chi held environmental protection activities, we would definitely see him," Azriani recalled. At the time, his sister was already enrolled, and he eagerly wanted to learn alongside her.

Initially quiet and shy, often pausing to think before speaking, Omar has transformed over the past year. He now communicates confidently and has integrated well with his classmates. Azriani notes that education provides these children with language skills and critical thinking, offering them more choices as they grow older.

Recognizing that many stateless children are forced to work on the streets due to poverty, Azriani is moved by Saridah's determination. "Only education can truly change a family," she observed. She proudly shared that Omar now takes his lessons home to teach his young nephew, counting numbers together in their stilt house.

Understanding the sacrifices made for his education, Omar cherishes every opportunity to learn. He knows his mother's financial struggles meant skipping meals to pay his bus fare.

After Mom paid for the fare, there was no extra money to buy food. I will definitely cherish it and gather my energy to study hard. — Omar Bin Mukim, Student

To ease his mother's load, Omar takes on household chores like sweeping and laundry after school, while also looking after his nephew. The difficult wooden path he walks every day is not a barrier, but a bridge to his aspirations. Surrounded by care and guidance, Omar is steadily building the knowledge and confidence he needs to shape a brighter future for himself and his family.

Written by Ah Tong Sia (謝亞忠)