KUCHING, March 16: Habitat for Indigenous and Urban Programme (Hidup) has donated school supplies to underprivileged school children enrolled in SK St James and SK Semenggok as well as those living in Kampung Merdang Gayam and Merdang Lumut to help them get back to school.
As part of its community service initiative, Hidup president George Young Si Ricord Jr and volunteers recently handed over school bags, stationery and thermometers to SK St James at Kampung Quop, Padawan as well as SK Semenggok at Jalan Batu 12 of the Kuching-Serian Road here.
The items were received by SK St James Kpg Quop Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairwoman Shirlene Brown and SK Semenggok headmaster Ensnat Mosa.
“We think it’s very important that the less privileged school kids are given the support to help them focus on learning and excelling in school. They are our future.
“That is why we managed to get these new school bags for them to start their new school term afresh. Plus the thermometers would be of great help to the teachers to ensure children who may not be feeling well do not attend classes until they are well,” George said in a statement today.
Noting the significant impact and disruptions brought by the Covid-19 pandemic on these families who may have unstable income, he added that Hidup was happy about and encouraged by the tremendous support shown by corporations and individuals in helping to alleviate some of the problems faced by these families.
Additionally, Hidup also managed to deliver essential food items to 12 quarantined families in Kampung Sejiram near to Merdang Lumut, Jalan Muara Tuang here.
With most of those affected daily wage earners with school-going children, George said that their ability to put food on the table were affected by the 14-day quarantine as they were not able to go work.
“As demonstrated through this pandemic and with the dedication of volunteers as well as the support of individuals and corporate partnerships, NGO (non-governmental organisations) can play an important role in helping the community,” he emphasised.
Those who wish to donate may contact 0111-8580528. — DayakDaily
