ALOR SETAR: Food Bank Malaysia (Food Bank), a non-governmental body, has taken the initiative to provide free education classes to children of the asnaf group in Kampung Bakau Hijau, Bedong.
Its chairman, Mohd Azrul Mohd Razak said the initiative known as the Bakau Hijau Class project is aimed at ensuring poor local students do not drop out, thus not receiving a good and adequate education.
He said these education classes in this village were a continuation of the efforts to provide free education to students in the village which had been undertaken since 1994.
“A friend brought our team to the place in the hope of helping the students there to read and write as well as to gain knowledge that can benefit those who are mostly from underprivileged families.
“The founder of this place, known as Toksu Romli, started giving free English classes to students in the village since 1994. The results of the Food Bank’s visit two years ago made us feel that education must continue here,” he told Bernama here.
He said the Food Bank, in collaboration with Kelab Pendidikan dan Kebajikan Puncak Lembaga Bujang. has helped to bring back these classes.
Mohd Azrul said his team is collaborating with residents of the village to reorganise the classes that can be held in order to continue the effort to provide free education there.
He said so far the number of students attending the classes are between 30 and 40 comprising primary and secondary school students class, with sessions held for three hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
“Among the subjects taught are Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics and Science as well as reading and writing for primary students,” he said.
Mohd Azrul also said that the teaching staff consisted of volunteers from various occupational backgrounds including teachers and doctors.
“Food Bank only helps and hopes that these classes and programmes can assist these students to change their lives for the better through education,” he added. – BERNAMA
