YSD BACK-TO-SCHOOL INITIATIVE EMPOWERS SARAWAK’S UNDERPRIVILEGED STUDENTS
Kuching, 23 January 2024 – Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Kuching Central (RCKC), today extended critical educational assistance to over 300 underprivileged students from three schools in Kuching, Sarawak, at SK Tanjung Bako.
Supported by Parlimen P193 Santubong, Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN), and employee volunteers from Sime Darby Industrial (SDI) Kuching, the back-to-school programme was officiated by YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development and Member of Parliament for Santubong, with senior management representatives from YSD and SDI Kuching present.
YB Hajah Nancy Shukri emphasised the significance of public-private collaborations, stating, “We are grateful for the support given by YSD and RCKC. This initiative today exemplifies the impactful outcomes achievable through strong partnerships in addressing societal challenges and enhancing not just the educational landscape in Sarawak, but the overall development of the region.”
Since 2016, YSD, in partnership with RCKC, reached over 3,800 primary school students in various parts of Sarawak, distributing essential school items worth more than RM390,000. The foundation’s sustained impact in Sarawak extends beyond providing critical assistance, encompassing support for education, environmental conservation, and healthcare accessibility. Through these initiatives, YSD has expanded its CSR efforts in Sarawak, aligning with their commitment to the holistic wellbeing of underprivileged communities nationwide.
Dr Hjh Yatela Zainal Abidin, YSD Chief Executive Officer, stressed the importance of education in breaking the poverty cycle, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to equal education opportunities for all children. She stated, “More than a basic right, education is a catalyst for community empowerment. In taking the first step of providing essential school supplies and encouraging regular school attendance, we are fostering a community that values education as the fundamental key to dismantling social barriers.”
RCKC added, “More than equipping students with necessary school supplies, our collaboration with YSD reflects the commitment to empower Sarawak’s youth by fostering a supportive environment that encourages the underprivileged to overcome challenges and embrace the opportunities education brings.”
As part of the REACH School initiative, YSD aims to provide equal access to education by alleviating financial burdens on underprivileged families nationwide. Since 2014, YSD has distributed close to RM5.5 million of school supplies to more than 38,000 students.
In addition to kickstarting its annual back-to-school distribution in Sarawak, YSD extended support to underprivileged students in Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor, in collaboration with Sime Darby Plantation Berhad. This marks the inaugural nationwide distribution effort, with Kedah slated as the next destination in the coming month. YSD remains steadfast in ensuring students, especially underprivileged, are equipped for the upcoming academic year through a strategic and multi-state approach.