Back-to-school gifts bring cheer to children

Nydia (left) trying to see if the school uniform fits her younger brother Nixon while their father Ben Teck helps to carry their school bags.

SOME 130 schoolchildren were all smiles after receiving back-to-school packs for the new school term.

Each of them received a set of school uniform, a pair of white socks and a new school bag of their choice from the School Provision Assistance programme by Eastern and Oriental Berhad (E&O).

Many of them are children from the fishing communities in Tanjung Tokong, Persiaran Gurney, Paramount and Tanjung Bungah.

St George’s Girls High School student K. Navina, 15, whose father is a fisherman from Paramount, said she was not expecting any assistance this year as many businesses had been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This contribution came as a surprise and we are truly grateful as it eases my family’s burden.”

Equally elated was Muhammad Adam Iman Zambri Arafat, 11, of SK St Xavier’s Cawangan from the Tanjung Tokong fishermen’s unit who could not wait to unwrap his school kit.

Paramount fisherman Neoh Ben Teck, 53, described the provision as a shot in the arm for the family as his daughter Nydia Neoh Jia Yi, 12, and son Nixon Neoh Jia Jun, six, were recipients.

“It is such a relief to receive this aid which to a certain extent eases my financial worries, ” he added.

The back-to-school programme was organised for the seventh consecutive year.

Other students who benefited were from SK Tanjung Tokong, SJK (T) Azad, SJK (C) Hun Bin, Tadis Ar-Rasyidin, SK Pendidikan Khas Pulau Pinang and SK Convent Pulau Tikus.