SK Sg Paku enjoys benefits under Astro’s CSR programme
KAPIT: A rural primary school at Sungai Mujong in Baleh near here has benefitted greatly since its ‘adoption’ by pay- television broadcaster Astro several years ago.
SK Sungai Paku is touted as the only school in the whole of Sarawak adopted by Astro under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, ‘Astro Kasih’.
It was recommended for the programme by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, who is Baleh assemblyman.
“I wish to thank Astro for adopting SK Sungai Paku.
“The various programmes run at the school have actually helped to promote quality education among the rural pupils. Over the years, the UPSR ( Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah) results have improved steadily,” said Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang during the ‘Astro Kasih UPSR Incentive 2018’ presentation ceremony at Meligai Hotel here on Monday, held in recognition of the contribution of teachers and the and achievement of former pupils of SK Sungai Paku.
Adding on Nyabong, who represented Masing at the event, advised the rural school-children to always stay focused on their studies, now that they are in Form 1.
“Excellence in education is not just for UPSR. Remember – you are now you in Form 1; later there will be PT3 (Form 3 Assessment), SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia), STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia) and then, the university.
“As such, it is very important that you work during your school years, and strive to attain excellent in order to have success in the future,” he said.
Nyabong also acknowledged that there were associations and organisations giving away cash incentives to those who achieved excellence in education every year, pointing out that the objective was to further encourage schoolchildren to aim higher and strive to be outstanding.
Later the assemblyman, on behalf of Masing, announced an allocation of RM10,000 for SK Sungai Paku Parents-Community Association.
Meanwhile, SK Sungai Paku’s teachers who are recipients of the Astro’s rewards are Wee Vien Tiane who teaches Bahasa Melayu, Felix Sakal (English), Abdul Haliz Siri ( Mathematics) and Puyu Malang (Science).
The eight former pupils receiving the incentives are Ezra Ham, Celesly Miah, Wat Ansi, Abdul Saging, Visolia Jantai, Elyyaine Nasthasa, Elizabeth Ipuk and Natasha Tangik – all of whom are UPSR 2018 topscorers. Currently, all of them are attending Form 1 at SMK Selirik.
Political secretary to chief minister Nicholas Kudi Jantai, SK Sungai Pakau headmaster Timbang Tuan, Kapit Education Office representative Kumbong Gari, Masing’s administrative assistant Jelaini Ajan and Astro CSR head Jolyn Gasper were also present.