Traditional Education in Sabah Before 1881

Abstract

Sabah has experienced several stages of maturing educational development. Before the arrival of colonialism, education was held by the community itself. The basic lessons are borne by the family and when the children are grown up, they are placed under the guidance of one or two people who are skilled in language, folklore and religion. Therefore, the education system is more traditional and informal. This study is qualitative in nature. The methodology used includes the study of documents in Sabah state libraries and archives. The findings of the study found that the people of Sabah had received a traditional pattern of education before foreign powers colonized the state of Sabah for 60 years starting in 1881. The proof is that there are muslim native communities who already know how to write and read Jawi script because they already have the basis of religious education after embracing Islam compared to the non Muslim community. Early education in the state of Sabah covers the fields related to agriculture, fishing methods and carpentry work. Practical lessons passed down by parents to children like how to climb hills, hunt, chop, weave and carpentry. If the grandmother or parents have expertise in terms of traditional medicines, therefore the children will also be taught that knowledge. In conclusion, this study found a transformation from the traditional education system to formal education by the people of Sabah, especially the Muslim bumiputra group.