CHAPTER 1 - REPORT OF THE EDUCATION AND PROMOTION WORKING GROUP Table 2: Number of Indigenous Children Not In School by State, 2007 STATE NUMBER OF CHILDREN Total 5-6 Years 7-12 Years 13-18 Years Perak/Kedah 524 1,088 362 1,974 Pahang 743 543 669 1,955 Selangor 567 96 753 1,416 Johor 659 173 229 1,061 Negeri Sembilan 9 47 484 540 Kelantan/Terengganu 51 15 17 83 2,553 1,962 2,514 7,029 Total Source: Department of Orang Asli Affairs, 2009 (c) Other Concerns on Education The Commission visited two Islamic schools in Perlis. It was informed that the schools are facing difficulty in being registered due to the policies and procedures of the MoE and State Religious Affairs Department. Additionally, the schools do not receive assistance such as trained teachers, facilities to teach science subjects, or basic needs such as chairs, desks and textbooks. The MoE and Religious Affairs Department should make an effort to assist schools that provide alternative education. The authorities should take into consideration the key principles of the UDHR and the CRC that emphasise non-discrimination and the best interests of the child. In the case of the two schools in Perlis, the Commission was able to resolve the registration issue with the cooperation of the Religious Affairs Department. 2. HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION FOR INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING (a) Human Rights Training for Students in Polytechnic Institutes The Commission expanded its human rights awareness programmes by engaging student leaders in polytechnic institutes throughout Peninsular Malaysia. Workshops were conducted in the northern, central and southern region respectively. The participants were familiarised with concepts of human rights, and their responsibilities as student leaders. They were also exposed to international human rights treaties and the responsibilities of governments. The Commission believes that youth and 29