Walk in the shoes of rural pupils at Putrajaya event

Tan (front row, third from left), Walk for Education ambassadors and local artistes at the launch of the fun walk in Technology Park Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.

HELLMA Emily Joinin’s journey to and from her school in Kota Marudu, Sabah, could take up to 10 hours.

Despite those challenges, she became the first pupil in SK Magandai to score straight As in the UPSR examination.

Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd chief executive officer Henry Tan recounted Hellma’s story at the launch of “Walk for Education” at Technology Park Malaysia in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.

He said the company’s corporate social responsibility arm, Astro Kasih, aimed to raise awareness of the challenges faced by pupils in rural areas.

Walk for Education is a 5km fun walk that will be held in Taman Wetland Putrajaya on May 28.

“Seeing their struggles touches your heart.

“Not only do they have to spend an average of four hours back and forth, it gets harder when it rains,” said Tan, who urged the public to “walk in the shoes” of these children.

Proceeds from the event will be channelled to SK Magandai, SK Malinsau in Ranau and SK Sungai Paku in Kapit, as well as Starfish Malaysia Foundation, which empowers marginalised communities in Sabah and Sarawak.

“To simulate what the children go through, participants of the walk can also carry a school bag with items that will be given to pupils from the three schools,” said Tan.

The walk will also include family-friendly activities such as games, a mini concert featuring local artistes along with photography sessions with mascots such as Mechamato and BoBoiBoy.

To register, visit http://t2u.asia/e/27113