BETONG: The Back-to-School programme P.204 Betong is a manifestation of the spirit of togetherness and concern for the community, especially in rural areas, through efforts to support early education.
The programme, organised by the PEKEMA Foundation via PEKEMA Sarawak, provided school bags and stationery to 1,030 Year One and preschool students from 26 primary schools in the Saribas and Layar constituencies.
The programme was officiated by Betong Member of Parliament, Datuk Dr Richard Rapu, who said initiatives of this nature reflect collective responsibility in ensuring inclusive access to education.
According to him, such programmes are easier to implement with cooperation from multiple stakeholders, proving that joint efforts can help ensure no rural child is left behind in education.
“I would like to take this opportunity to record my appreciation and thanks to PEKEMA Sarawak under the leadership of its president, Datuk Ismail Abang Saufi, for choosing the Betong Parliamentary constituency as a recipient of this contribution.
“The provision of these donations involves primary school students, particularly Year One and preschool pupils, which is very important in nurturing their enthusiasm and interest to continue attending school,” he said in his speech during the programme on Friday.
He added that the contribution is particularly meaningful for rural communities facing cost-of-living challenges, especially parents whose children are just beginning their schooling journey.
Meanwhile, Ismail said the Back-to-School programme is an annual initiative by the PEKEMA Foundation that has been implemented since 2017 and has now entered its ninth year nationwide.
He said the assistance targets underprivileged groups to help ease parents’ financial burdens while providing motivation for students to begin the school session with greater confidence and cheerfulness.
“This programme reflects the commitment of PEKEMA and the PEKEMA Foundation in supporting educational development as the foundation for shaping the future of children, families and the nation,” he said.
He also noted that the programme is not confined to urban areas and will be expanded to rural and interior regions throughout Sarawak, including as far as Lawas in the future.
Both leaders have expressed hope that the contributions would not only be fully utilised but would also serve as a symbol of hope and a catalyst for future success among the recipient children.
