KUCHING: Fifty underprivileged students from five primary schools here received school utilities from Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad via its ‘Jom ke Sekolah’ programme, in conjunction with the opening of the 2023 school session.
The schools are Sekolah Kebangsaan Pajar Sejingkat, SK Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Sulaiman Daud, SK Astana, SK Rakyat Tupong and SK Semerah Padi.
Each student received RM300 worth of school supplies in the form of two sets of uniforms, two sets of sports pants, a bag and stationery, and two pairs of shoes and socks.
In addition, Bank Islam also sponsoreda trip to explore the Borneo Cultures Museum.
The ‘Jom ke Sekolah’ contribution handover was carried out by Bank Islam Regional East Malaysia director Zulkipli Mohamad Zen.
According to Zulkipli, the initiative is a part of the bank’s efforts to share its prosperity with the community it operates in.
“As a Shariah-compliant financial institution, we do not forget our responsibility to provide the necessary support, especially to the communities greatly challenged by the current economic landscape and increasing cost of living.
“To ease their expenses in providing the children’s school preparation for the new session soon, Bank Islam is allocating RM38,000 to implement the ‘Jom ke Sekolah’ initiative in Kuching,” he said.
Bank Islam is allocating RM190,000 from its Zakat and corporate social responsibility fund to ensure the ‘Jom ke Sekolah’ programme is successful this year.
It will benefit 500 students from Sarawak, Sabah, Selangor, Terengganu, Johor and Perak.
“We hope the contribution will alleviate the concerns of families involved as their children’s schooling equipment is provided for.
“Hopefully, this effort can inspire the students to go to school and study for a bright future,” added Zulkipli.
In attendance were District Education Office (PPD) Kuching District Education Officer, Shirini Mastura Mohamed Zulkifli, as well as headmasters and representative teachers from schools involved.
