30 schools in Penampang receive assistance
KOTA KINABALU: A total of 30 secondary schools, primary schools and special education schools under the administration of the Penampang District Education Office received the early schooling assistance donation of RM265,000 from Yayasan Bank Rakyat (YBR).
The donation presentation ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, at SK St Paul Kolopis, Penampang on Tuesday.
Ewon expressed hope that the donation would help alleviate the burden of the schools and the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) in supporting the education of their students.
“This is my commitment at the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives to bring the services of the ministry, agencies and organizations under my responsibility to the people across the country. We started in Kota Belud yesterday and continued in Penampang today,” he said after officiating the ceremony.
Ewon said that the same donation had also been given to schools in Penampang last year.
“I hope no schools are left out in receiving this donation. We have also provided additional funds to schools with special education students so that both the students and teachers involved in special education can benefit equally,” he said.
He disclosed that in addition to 10 agencies under his ministry, YBR and the Universiti Keusahawanan Koperasi Malaysia (UKKM) also fall under the ministry through the Malaysian Cooperative Institute (IKMa).
“As the minister responsible for this university, I urge principals, PTA chairpersons, and teachers who wish to pursue Master’s or PhD studies in entrepreneurship or cooperatives administration to enroll at UKKM,” he said.
Meanwhile, the principals and head teachers of the schools receiving the donation expressed their gratitude to Ewon and YBR for their concern for the needs of students in Penampang area.
The principal of SM St Michael Penampang, Jennifer Asing, said that the donation proved Ewon’s concern for the needs of students and schools.
“We will use this donation to facilitate various PTA activities, including academic excellence programs, extracurricular activities, and student character development,” she said.
Meanwhile, the headmaster of SK Babagon, Lawrence George, said that the assistance would be used to implement planned programs for this year, including assisting students who need financial support when participating in extracurricular activities.
“In addition, we will use this donation to improve facilities in the school area for the benefit of students and teachers,” he said.
Also present were Kapayan Assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang, YBR Chairman Datuk Philip Lasimbang, YBR Chief Executive Officer Syaiful Rizal Abdul Ghani, Deputy Education Officer for Student Development Sector representing the Penampang District Education Officer, Robert John.