UiTM provides free education to less fortunate children
KOTA KINABALU: The Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sabah launched its Anjung Pendidikan Asnaf programme yesterday, a programme that aims to provide less fortunate children with free education.
Its Deputy Rector (Research, Industrial Linkages, Community and Alumni Network Division) Dr Rozita @ Uji Mohammed disclosed that the programme was the brainchild of UiTM and Pusat Zakat Sabah (PZS).
UiTM had chosen SK Malawa of Telipok as its partnering school for this year’s installment of the programme.
“On top of that, the primary six students of SK Malawa will be the first cohort of students who will be undergoing the Primary School Evaluation Test (UPSR) Tuition initiative under the Anjung Pendidikan Asnaf programme.
“We appointed teachers from the school itself and we have given them incentives, albeit a small one,” Rozita told reporters at the launch of the programme ceremony yesterday.
She added that the programme was not limited to students alone, as adults who wish to take up religious classes would also be eligible for it, with terms and conditions applied.
Yesterday’s event also witnessed the launching of two other programmes, namely, the Selangkah Ke Menara Gading programme (Semega @ UiTM) and UiTM’s month-long Merdeka/Malaysia Day celebration.
“Previously, SK Malawa had only been working with other institutions. This is the school’s first ever visit to UiTM...I had always been pushing the school to come and visit UiTM.
“Although these students are still at the primary school level, it is never too early to introduce them to UiTM.
“We want these students to understand that UiTM will always serve as platform for them to further their studies, regardless of their financial limitations,” Rozita said when commenting on the Semega @ UiTM programme.
On why SK Malawa was chosen for this programme, Rozita said that the decision was made after a careful discussion between the management.
“The decision was made in line with UiTM’s theme, which is to make the university more communitybased.
“Apart from that, SK Malawa is also conveniently located within five kilometers of UiTM’s radius. This is also in line with our vision to help our neighbouring schools the best way we can,” she asserted.
Farhana Ateekah, who is one of the primary six students from SK Malawa, expressed her gratitude to UiTM for being given an opportunity to participate in the programme.
“Through this programme, I was given the chance to expand my knowledge and to build my confidence in furthering my studies to UiTM.
“This programme had also prepared me well for the upcoming UPSR,” said the youngest among three siblings.
Farhana aims to obtain at least four A’s for the upcoming exams.
Rozita stressed that UiTM would continue to work with the other schools within its radius in the future.
Yesterday’s event was attended by over 100 students and it was officiated by Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid.