(Seated front, from left) Zahirul Jazmi from Miri District Education Office, Morris, Abdul Aziz and others in a group photo at the end of the programme yesterday.
MIRI: Some 490 students from 16 primary and secondary schools here are recipients of Yayasan Petronas’ ‘Back to School 2019’ (BTS 2019) programme for the 2020 academic year.
The selected students from low-income families in the Bottom 40 group (B40) each received a school bag, tumbler, poncho, stationery, two pairs of school uniform and a pair of socks and shoes.
Acting Miri deputy Resident Abdul Aziz Mohamad Yusuf, who officiated at the programme yesterday, said Petronas’ noble act in providing school supplies to the needy students enabled them to realise their full potential.
“This programme gives opportunities to these students to be able to go to school and I believe each of them should be given an equal chance for quality education for their future and I hope this noble act will continue on to help these children so that they are able to stay and finish their studies as well.
“Like any other students, they can succeed if they are given the help and chance to succeed and this in turn will be beneficial for our country’s economy,” said Abdul Aziz, who is also the Miri district officer.
Meanwhile, Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd Sarawak Oil Head Morris Mail said the programme is their largest nationwide outreach since it was launched 17 years ago.
“We are glad that we can help 490 students here prepare for their school next year. We hope that by removing one of the barriers that students from low-income families often experience, they will be motivated to stay and finish school.
“Each child should be given a chance for quality education for their future and to get out of poverty. These children can one day improve their lives and that of their communities,” he said.
BTS 2019 runs from mid-October to November 2019 and is supported by more than 800 Petronas volunteers who will be selecting school uniforms and shoes for the children, packing and delivering the items to schools.
The programme will benefit a total of 21,000 school students from low-income families nationwide.