GEORGE Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) celebrated their 10th anniversary by donating cultural heritage books to schools.
GTWHI Cultural Heritage Research and Development manager Chuah Ai Kheng said GTWHI, under its Cultural Heritage Book Gifting Programme, was aiming at donating 100 sets of books to schools in Penang to promote heritage education.
“Each set contains seven books worth RM750. The titles of the books are Memori di George Town, George Town Our Stories, George Town’s Historic Commercial & Precinct, Little India of George Town, The Fourth Presidency of India, Penang’s Living Legacy: Heritage Traders of George Town, and Epitaph: The Northam Road Protestant Cemetery George Town,” she said today (Nov 22).
This morning (Nov 22), two schools in Balik Pulau benefitted from the programme – SJKC Sacred Heart and SMJK Sacred Heart.
SMJK Sacred Heart principal Tan Sin Cheong thanked GTWHI for donating the collection of cultural heritage books to the secondary and primary schools.
“We are very grateful to be chosen to receive these books as these books will enable our students to understand more about the rich history of Penang and the heritage buildings in George Town.
“We need to learn the rich history of our city and to know the importance of preserving our heritage buildings,” Tan said in his speech.
Penang Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said it was crucial to understand the history and culture of George Town and Penang.
“A city without heritage, history or when people begin to forget these important elements, is like a ‘body without a soul’.
“I hope that more people will understand the uniqueness of Penang and appreciate our history through this meaningful programme,” he said in his speech.
Yeoh also advised the students to study smart in school.
“Do not let your parents and yourself down. Learn from your teachers and gain as much knowledge as possible,” he said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alvie Cheng