Kurup presenting an award to one of the excellent students. Also seen is Betty (centre).
KENINGAU: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said the government was concerned about providing rural school students with adequate education that must be given priority in line with the National Education Policy.
He said this had been proven for St Francis Xavier Secondary School Keningau that had undergone significant changes in terms of basic facilities since it was established over 50 years ago.
When attending school more than half a century ago, most of the students had to walk many miles away and they never got any help such as financial and other assistance, he said when opening the SM St Francis Xavier 2014 Excellence Award and Open Day here yesterday.
Now everything has changed, the current generation no longer face the hardship that used to be experienced many years ago.
“Distance is not a reason to not to go to school because of various facilities have been provided by the government,” Kurup said.
According to him, it is important for teachers to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning and trying to explore innovation and creativity to achieve the mission of the National Education Philosophy.
I am confident that the ongoing efforts of educators will produce the best results in shaping the progress of the nation.
“I was also told this school has produced many leaders and intellectuals like politicians, corporate leaders, business people and others.
This shows that economic factors such as poverty are not a hindrance to our progress and success in the professional field, he said.
At the event, Kurup announced a RM50,000 allocation to purchase equipment for the school and presentation of awards to excellent students.
Also present at the event were school principal Betty Leong, District Education Officer representative Anis Tahir, patron of the School Management Board Bishop Datuk Cornelius Piong, teachers, parents and students.