UNDERPRIVILEGED children from selected schools in Sarawak will receive free breakfast daily under the Budimas Food Charity Fund.
The initiative is a collaboration between Budimas Charitable Foundation (Budimas) and Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS).
Launched at SK Rampangi in Kuching, the programme aims to provide students from low-income families with nutritious meals before classes.
The event was attended by teachers, parents and students, along with JPNS special education sector senior director Ahmat Daud Lugom and Budimas principal officer Anne Rajasaikaran.
Ahmat Daud said the programme sought to improve student focus and academic performance.
“Having a proper breakfast before the start of lessons is important.
“Studies have shown that having adequate nutrients in the morning can improve focus and academic performance,” he said.
Echoing his views, Anne said proper nutrition was crucial so children could grow and meet their physical milestones.
“There have been children whose physical development is below national average due to inadequate access to nutrition,” she said, adding that the initiative was aimed at addressing this concern.
For now, the programme will provide free breakfast for pupils at SK Rampangi and SK Rancangan Perumahan Rakyat.
At the launch, Budimas also donated six laptops each to the schools.
The programme will be expanded in phases to more schools in Sarawak in the future.
In addition to free breakfast, the foundation will also give supplies such as bags, pencil cases and water bottles to students.
SK Rampangi also received canteen tables and benches, as well as a wheelchair.
