Azam reaches out to rural schoolchildren, parents in Niah
MIRI: The Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam)’s ‘Rural School Motivation and Community Outreach Programme’ held at Batu Niah community hall yesterday gathered 170 Primary 4 to 6 pupils from SK Batu Niah, SK Rancangan Sepupok and SK Tanjung Belipat.
The programme, which also involved 45 members of the parentteacher associations ( PTAs) from these primary schools, was conducted in collaboration with Subis District Office and supported by Faradale Holdings.
The objective was to boost the interest and confidence in rural schoolchildren regarding the usage of the English language.
Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research’s permanent secretary Datu William Patrick Nyigor said this was the second time that Azam had organised such a programme in Niah.
The first programme was conducted by Azam Youth, involving secondary school students.
“This is the first time in over 10 years that Azam holds a programme from primary schools.
“It is in line with the objective of the Sarawak government to enhance the standard of the English language in Sarawak, and to also promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and TVet (technical and vocational education and training) as part of the digital economy, which is a new reality to us,” said William, who is also Azam deputy chairman.
He also commended Sarawak Education Department, Subis District Office, the teachers and headmasters, as well as the communities in Niah for their cooperation.
One of the highlighted sessions was a motivational segment on ‘ Being a Successful Student in the Era of Digital Economy’ by Azam member and SMT Learning Solutions PLT principal consultant Telemachus Lo.
Additionally, the programme also included the donation of about 500 new and pre- loved English reading books to the three participating primary schools.
The first book- donation drive commenced in early February and the collection was the result of generous contributions from members of Azam, Azam Toastmasters Club and Azam Young Souls, and also MyBookstore Sdn Bhd in Petra Jaya, Kuching.