TWO hundred underprivileged schoolchildren from Pasir Gudang received RM100 each from Yayasan Pelajaran Mara (YPM) in a back-to-school programme.
Housewife Asmawaty Jamal, 39, said the cash aid helped reduce her family’s burden, especially since all four of her children are still in school.
“Earlier this year, we received the RM150 back-to-school aid from the Federal Government and now another RM100 from YPM.
“It really helps,” she said when met at the event held at Dewan Muafakat in Bandar Seri Alam, Johor Baru.
Asmawaty, who received the aid on behalf of her nine-year-old son Muhammad Nur Rafa Ramadan Saparudin, said she would use the money to buy stationery for him.
Zurina Tajalazmi, 49, also a housewife, received aid on behalf of daughter Zairin Sofia Mohd Asnawi.
“Since my child stays in a hostel, she requires additional funds for necessities such as food and books,” she said of her 13-year-old who attends Sekolah Tun Fatimah in Johor Baru.
“As a B40 household, I am happy to receive this aid, as it helps ease our burden.
“We will prioritise urgent fees for my daughter’s education,” said Zurina, whose husband works as a security guard.
Cleaner Salmah Mohd Yusoff, 49, plans to use the money to buy school necessities for her 12-year-old son Muhammad Adam Hafiz Mohemed Nor.
Thanking YPM and the Johor government, she said, “The aid has greatly helped families by easing the burden of education expenses.”
The mother of two added that the assistance would allow her to replace worn-out school supplies and buy new uniforms for her son, who studies at SK Taman Cendana in Pasir Gudang.
The event was launched by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is Pasir Gudang Umno division chief.
“No child should miss school simply because they lack basic learning necessities,” he said.
“Among the students are those from poor families while others face illnesses.
“Because of such circumstances, many are hindered from learning or continuing their studies.
“We want to ensure an organised and structured education system for our children, but we also recognise that this alone is not enough.”
Mohamed Khaled also issued a reminder for parents to use such assistance only for their children’s needs.
“This aid is specifically meant to prepare children for school, not for parents to use on personal expenses such as dining out or breaking fast at more exclusive venues,” he added.
