Self-help group Mendaki's initiative to aid students preparing for their N and O levels through small group discussions with tutors is making its mark on students.

"Because of the small group, I am able to clarify my doubts quickly," said Abdul Nasrun Abdull Razak, 17.

The Chestnut Drive Secondary School student, who is sitting for his O levels this year, said his grades had improved greatly between his mid-year and preliminary examinations.

The Mendaki Intensive Revision Clinic (MIRC) started in 2013 as a complement to the existing Mendaki Tuition Scheme.

The 10-week programme is held at four locations and currently has 80 students.

Responses have been positive, said Mr Muhammad Hafiz Mohamed Jumari, 25, an MIRC tutor for the past two years.

"They're coming regularly and Whatsapp-ing me to ask if there's class tomorrow," said the Nanyang Technological University undergraduate, who teaches mathematics to N-level students.

Speaking to a class at Jurong Spring Community Club yesterday evening, Mendaki chairman Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, who is also Minister for Communications and Information, said that the programme helped students to do well and pursue the education pathway of their choice.

"I think that's what it's all about, to give Malay/Muslim kids (the options) to choose the pathway that they want," he said.

Zhaki Abdullah