Raven Kumar (second from left) launching the Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam temple education fundraising programme in Johor Baru. Looking on is Raja Selan (left).
The Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam temple in Johor Baru has launched an education fund to help students and schools in need throughout Johor.
Temple president V. Raja Selan said it hoped to collect RM1mil in donations from the public, corporations and devotees by the end of 2023.
“We not only want to help students but also Tamil schools in Johor that require upgrading so that pupils can study comfortably.
“We want to assist students from the B40 group, especially those who are about to enter public universities,” he said after the launch of the Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam temple education fundraising programme in Johor Baru.
So far, the temple has raised more than RM230,000 through public donations, Raja Selan added.
“Education is very important and we want to make sure that no one is left behind.
“Currently, we are assisting about 20 students each year.
“They are mostly from the B40 group who are in their first semester at public universities.
“With the education fund, we hope to be able to assist more students from needy families,” he said.
Meanwhile, Johor tourism, environment, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar said the state government had contributed RM30,000 to the education fund.
“This education fund is a great initiative which shows that temples are more than just places of worship.
“They can also play a role in helping the community around them.
“The state government will continue to support such initiatives in any possible way we can.
“As a start, we will contribute RM30,000 to the education fund.
“We hope that this will help ensure that students can reach their full potential in their respective institutions,” he said after launching the education fund.
Those who wish to contribute to the fund can issue a cheque to ARMD Education Fund or make an online bank transfer to the fund’s Maybank account number 501011636823.
