Up Close with the Bateq
To foster a better understanding of the initiative, RYTHM Foundation, the social impact arm of QI, organised the programme in Kampung Kuala Atok, the village of a small Bateq tribe. The remote settlement in the Taman Negara National Park is only accessible by a 45-minute boat ride along the Tembeling river. RYTHM has undertaken considerable work in the village as part of its first Community Adoption Programme (CAP) in Pahang. The endeavours include the ‘Sekulah Bateq’ (Bateq School) initiative, which started in June for the community’s children to learn essential reading, writing, and arithmetic skills.“The experience provided insights into how an impoverished community lives off the grid without access to many essential amenities that most of us take for granted.”Hussin expressed his gratitude to the volunteers for spending time with the community. “Our thanks to the people here today and RYTHM Foundation for their contributions. “Most importantly, I am grateful we finally have a school for our children. Although the young ones were a little apprehensive initially, they are now more receptive to the lessons and teachers,” he said.
“I hope our children do well in the future. At the very least, they will be equipped with essential communication skills and can secure jobs when they are older. That is why we sought help to set up this school.”