For generations, the Kensiu people and other Orang Asli tribes in Malaysia’s deep, rural areas passed down rigid traditions that shaped their way of life.
Like many rural communities, they have little access to the benefits of modern advancements, and challenges in employment and rural education have made daily life an uphill climb.
However, as Malaysia’s indigenous communities receive more attention, intervention programs encourage hope for a better future.
RYTHM Foundation has been working with the Orang Asli Kensiu community in Kedah through our Community Adoption Programme (CAP), building on past successes in Pahang and Sabah.
Our partners from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Dr Zurina Mohd Radzi, Dr Nor Zakiah Yahaya, and Dr Siti Nor Awang, reflect on their journey and the positive impact of a community development program rooted in cultural identity and sensitivity.
Addressing Economic and Education Barriers
The community faces economic struggles, with many young adults leaving school early due to a lack of role models and taking daily wage jobs, earning just RM10–RM20 a day.
Dr Zurina shares that breaking the Kensiu community’s poverty cycle requires more than a structured livelihood or rural education program.
“While they may lack formal education, the community possesses a wealth of deep indigenous knowledge,” she explains. Learning, therefore, is designed to be relevant, practical, and engaging while respecting local context.
For adult learners, the CAP provides pathways to economic stability. The Kensiu hold deep knowledge of the environment, survival skills, and local traditions, yet many had not considered these as professional assets.
Through the program’s structured ecotourism workshops, they gain skills, certification, and confidence to turn their expertise into sustainable income.
Trust and Cultural Identity in Indigenous Education
When the programme first began, there was hesitation. To earn the Orang Asli people’s trust, the university team listened and then worked with the community.
Dr Zurina adds, “After multiple attempts, we established a good relationship and started working collaboratively.”
To get buy-in from the community leaders, they promised to respect the community’s culture and draw from their indigenous knowledge when developing modules and workshops.
Dr Siti explains, “Our goal is to enrich their strengths and heritage, ensuring they remain true to themselves and what defines them as a community.”
For children, the program’s “play and learn” approach replaces rigid classroom lessons with singing, sound exploration, and interactive activities.
“These classes will be adapted to suit the traditional activities of the Kensiu, allowing the children to feel comfortable and connected to their culture,” shares Dr Nor on one of their ways to integrate cultural identity into indigenous education.
A Hopeful Future
The team remains committed to tackling the high dropout rate among Orang Asli children. They aspire for the program to pave the way for these children to complete their education, pursue degrees, and build meaningful careers.
“Through this community development program, we aim to identify their strengths and help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to become self-reliant and confident. This way, they can stand tall with their fellow Malaysians, ensuring no one is left behind.”
Do your part in advancing quality education in marginalized communities! Learn about our Community Adoption Program today.
