Development of Education for Indigenous Converts in Empowerment of Knowledge: A Case Study in Rembau Negeri Sembilan Malaysia
Madihatun Zainuddin, Nur Fairuz Ahmad Fuad, Mohd Asyraf Abdul Rahman,
Ahmad Khairul Ashraaf Saari, Noor Maizatulshima Muhammad Sabri,
Rogayah Estar Mohamad
Indigenous communities should not be marginalized in any development and progress efforts. The discussion in this study covers the development of community education of indigenous converts in the struggle for knowledge empowerment among them to improve their identity in the knowledge of Fardhu Ain, Recital, and 3M education. This qualitative study uses the method of interviews with Rembau district Islamic Religious Officers as well as observation methods, where the researchers saw themselves at the scene during the duration of this program. Surau Al-Hidayah located nearby in the community was used as a learning center throughout this program. Apart from being a place of worship, it is also used as a learning center which is seen as very poor and requires perfect infrastructure facilities. The government needs to look back at the convenience of their standard of living by providing initiatives for more perfect, conducive, and interactive learning places so that these communities are not left behind and thrive in tandem with other communities and nations. The role of all parties in helping this community should be further enhanced, whether government or non-government bodies. This is so that they continue to love knowledge and have a strong belief in the basic religion in them, especially since they are among the converts. However, the education development program which was carried out for 12 sessions with lecturers and researchers consisting of lecturers from Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) from early January 2024 to April 2024 ran successfully and had a very positive impact on this community despite certain constraints in the beginning. The findings found that several participants had the potential to get out of poverty and poverty factors which could be a catalyst to continue the learning sessions there even without the instructors and be able to be independent and generate their income in the future. However, the role of all parties in defending this community should not be stopped. Their persistence to continue to explore knowledge can be seen even though they have to sacrifice their daily work to go down every Saturday to attend this study class. This can also be identified by the teaching staff when they show an improvement in their understanding of knowledge from week to week.
Keywords: Educational Development, Knowledge, Indigenous Community, Rembau, Negeri Sembilan
