Pupils get back-to-school supplies
PRIMARY school pupils from low-income households across Malaysia will soon receive school supplies for the 2020 academic year under the Yayasan Petronas’ Back To School 2019 (BTS 2019) programme.
The identified pupils from low-income families in the B40 households, will each receive a school bag, tumbler, poncho, stationery along with two pairs of school uniforms, and a pair of socks and shoes.
Yayasan Petronas chief executive officer Lita Osman said: “This is our largest nationwide outreach since the programme started 17 years ago.”
“We’re glad that we can help 21,000 pupils prepare for school next year.
“We hope that by removing one of the barriers that pupils from low-income families often experience, they will be motivated to stay and finish school.
“Every child should be given a chance to pursue quality education for a better future and to get out of poverty. These children can one day improve their lives and that of their communities,” Lita added.
According to recent reports by the Education Ministry, school dropout rates in Malaysia have declined slightly from 0.34% to 0.29% between 2014 and 2017, and the ministry aims to further reduce the rates to 0.27% in 2019.
BTS 2019 will run from mid-October to November 2019, supported by more than 800 Petronas volunteers who will be selecting school uniforms and shoes for the children, packing and delivering the items to schools.
One of the volunteers, Saeksarn Sinnaso Pla Set said it is hard to imagine that children opt out of school because of the lack of proper shoes or uniforms.
“It may not seem that much to some, but to those struggling to ensure that their kids stay in school, it is much-needed aid.
“I’m so glad to have been part of something that would make a difference,” he added.
Petrosains will also be conducting Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) workshops at selected schools.