A TOTAL of 300 underprivileged students had a reason to smile after receiving school bags, stationery and red packets at the Ramah Mesra and Back-to-School Programme organised by Kasih Malaysia and Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara Pulau Pinang (PWMPP).
This charitable initiative was launched by Kasih Malaysia, the charity and welfare organisation of the wives of Pakatan Harapan leaders, in collaboration with Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara Pulau Pinang at the Top Penang.
PWMPP president Tan Lean Kee, who is also the wife of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, highlighted that this initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families for the upcoming school year, which begins next month.
“The aid provided is a gesture of care from Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara and Kasih Malaysia, reflecting their concern for the future of our younger generation. We all understand that quality education is a key driver in overcoming poverty.
“Remember, success does not come easily but requires hard work, discipline, and determination to overcome challenges,” added Tan.
In her speech, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the chairperson of Kasih Malaysia, urged everyone to foster respect for teachers among children.
She also encouraged children to enjoy their holidays but reminded them to read books in any language. She suggested they share what they read with family or express it through drawings.
“It is undeniable that young children, especially at the lower levels, need to master the 3Ms – Membaca (Reading), Menulis (Writing), and Mengira (Arithmetic).
However, the methods used should not diminish the joy of learning. As writer Bob Talbert once said, ‘Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best,’” said Dr Wan Azizah, wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
She also encouraged parents to closely monitor their children’s activities, especially during the school holidays, to prevent them from engaging in unproductive and harmful activities such as cyberbullying.
Also present were the committee members of both Kasih Malaysia and Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara Pulau Pinang, along with Puan Sri Joanne Phor, the Group Executive Director of Ideal Property Group, and Puan Sri Chew Lean Hong, the Chief Operating Officer of Only World Group Holdings Berhad.
Story by Lim Min Jun
Pix by Yap Lee Ying and Lim Min Jun