School does its part
STUDENTS and teachers of SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4) raised RM3,000 for Tabung Harapan Malaysia (THM) in a three-day donation drive just before the mid-term break.
It was the brainchild of principal Siti Suaibah S. Said and History teacher Sivakumar Ramachindran.
Siti Suaibah said she hoped other schools would follow in the school’s footsteps.
“It gives students a sense of satisfaction by contributing to the country. Every gesture counts,” she said.
Sivakumar, who was also the campaign’s coordinator, said the donation drive was to create patriotic awareness among students.
“Students read or learn about patriotism during moral or civic classes. This is one of the ways to enable them to put it into action,” he said.
English teacher Datin Sunita Sharma noted that teachers chipped in as well.
“We wanted to show our support and love to the country,” she said, adding that it is a good example to students when teachers play their part as responsible citizens.
Form Five student Moses Shalom decided to donate RM200 of his savings that he has carefully laid aside since January this year to the school’s THM donation drive.
“I would keep aside RM2 from the RM5 daily allowance my parents gave me,” said the arts stream student who idolises Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He said RM200 might seem like a “small amount” but he wanted to play a part, even if it was just a small one for his country.
Fellow SMK BUD 4 students Meher Kaur Virik, 16, Evelyn Rebekah Wee, 17, and Adam Danial Azizan, 16, agreed that the donation drive gave them a chance to play a role as citizens.
“The amount doesn’t matter. It is how everyone worked together to achieve something greater - just like building a better nation for a better tomorrow.
“This is one small step we as youths can take to be more involved in building a better nation and instilling patriotism in the younger generation,” said Meher.
“Even though students don’t have much money, they give with an open heart,” said Evelyn.
Adam Danial said he felt proud of himself and the school for their contribution to the Government.
The THM campaign started on June 1 and will end on Aug 31.