Funds distributed to schools to enhance education experiences

20 March 2025

PENAMPANG: Representatives from 28 primary schools, secondary schools, and special education institutions in the Penampang area convened at the SK St Theresa Inobong School Hall to receive funds from the Bank Rakyat Foundation (YBR).

The attendees included headmasters, headmistresses, and the heads of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA). During the event, a total of RM230,000 was disbursed by the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick.

All recipients expressed their appreciation for the generous contributions, praising the Bank Rakyat Foundation (YBR) for providing the financial support. They also conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to Datuk Ewon Benedick for his presence and for personally overseeing the distribution of the funds.

Paul Matthew, the Deputy Head of the St Theresa PTA, expressed his gratitude, stating, "We are immensely grateful for this contribution. The RM5,000 allocated to us will significantly benefit our students by supporting extracurricular activities and enhancing their learning experiences. The generosity of YBR is truly commendable, and we deeply appreciate it."

He further noted that the Minister’s kindness in providing these funds would greatly impact the school's efforts to improve student engagement and opportunities.

Shanty Teo, the Headmistress of SK St Joseph Penampang, conveyed her immense happiness and gratitude to the Bank Rakyat Foundation (YBR) for their generous funding. She also expressed her appreciation to the Minister for taking the time to personally present the funds to the school.

In her remarks, she stated, "This financial assistance will enable us to implement a variety of programmes designed to support the growth and development of our students. We sincerely hope that this initiative will continue in the future, as it plays a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience for our pupils."

Florencia Balagut, the headmistress of SK Tampasak Penampang, conveyed her heartfelt gratitude during a recent gathering, stating, "I am extremely thankful and sincerely wish to express my appreciation to Datuk Ewon Benedick and YBR Chairman Datuk Benedick Lasimbang for being present today and for providing us with the generous assistance of RM5,000. This donation will be instrumental in enhancing the infrastructure for our students at the school and will significantly benefit my students’ learning experiences."

She went on to explain that the funds will be allocated towards improving essential facilities, which are vital for creating a conducive learning environment. With this financial support, she hopes to implement various projects aimed at enriching the educational resources available to the students, ensuring they have access to the best possible tools for their academic success.

Florencia firmly believes that such contributions not only uplift the school but also inspire the students to achieve their fullest potential. Her passion for education and dedication to her students were clearly evident as she spoke about the positive impact this support will have on the entire school community.

During the event, each secondary school received assistance of RM10,000, while primary schools received assistance of RM5,000. Additionally, two secondary schools and five primary schools that implement special education programs (PPKI) received an additional RM10,000 each.

The event was attended by Kapayan State Assembly Member (ADUN) Jannie Lasimbang, YBR Chairman Datuk Philip Lasimbang, Chairman of the Malaysian Plantation and Commodity Institute (IMPAC) Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin, President of the Penampang Municipal Council Francis Chong, Penampang Education Officer Rusmadi Ahmad, and YBR Chief Executive Syaiful Rizal Abdul Ghani.