P-06 Attitudes towards Adventist Education in Sabah, Malaysia

Buller Hallway

Relative to membership growth, there has been a steady decline in enrollment in most of the Adventist elementary and both of the secondary schools in Sabah Malaysia. This study was undertaken to examine the attitudes of the Adventist constituent members towards Adventist education. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire between March and October of 2012. The questionnaire was given to all conference workers, school teachers and parents in randomly selected churches. Overall, attitude towards Adventist education is positive, with strong religious/spiritual environment. However, most believe that public schools are better than Adventist schools. Over 50% of the respondents (teachers, pastors and members) reported that Adventist schools should consider receiving direct government funds. Primary reasons for not sending children to Adventist schools are location, cost and quality. Only slightly over two-thirds of the pastors appear to indicate strong support for Adventist education. This study has implication for marketing, branding and promotion of Adventist education in Sabah, Malaysia.