RM6mil for two Tamil schools
Photo by ABDUL RAHMAN SENIN
TWO Tamil schools in Kuala Lumpur have been allocated a total of RM6mil for building restoration and construction.
Education Ministry parliamentary secretary Komala Devi said RM4mil would go to SRJKT Sentul while SRJKT Jalan San Peng would receive RM2mil.
She announced this after officiating at a community project by the Rotary Club of Pudu entitled “Enhancing Literacy In Our Children” at SRJK (Tamil) Kampung Pandan on July 20.
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For sake of knowledge: Komala (right) looking at M. Shakila, 12, as she works on a computer at SRJK (Tamil) Kampung Pandan. Looking on are (from second left) headmistress R. Rathinammal, Rotary Club of Pudu project chairman, community service project 2007/08 Robert Tan and chairman K.U Rajah and other club members.
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“Tamil schools are getting crowded as more parents see that an additional language is an asset.
“Primary education is far more important than tertiary education because during the six early years of schooling is where children build the confidence and character they need to continue ahead,” said Komala.
She added that about RM100mil had been allocated under the Ninth Malaysia Plan for Sekolah Bantuan Modal and the ministry was focused on giving total educational development that consisted of character building and living skills.
“There are about 523 Tamil schools in Malaysia and one-fifth of them are fully aided but they still need contribution from people to further enhance their development.
“SRJKT Kampung Pandan is very lucky to be under the Rotary Club of Pudu’s literacy project as it ensures underprivileged children are not disadvantaged by the lack of knowledge,” she said.
The club's president, K.U. Rajah said: “Though this community project, the school has been given 10 sets of computer, applied software system for the library, a television set, a DVD player, two bookshelves, two printers and books worth a total of RM32,000,” he said.
He added that computer knowledge was useful not only for the future but for everyday life especially in terms of gaining employment and such knowledge should be taught when young.
SRJKT Kampung Pandan, head mistress, R. Rathinammal said:”We are happy with contributions and effort made by the club to eradicate illiteracy among children. Most children attending Tamil schools come from poor families and now they will be able to at least learn basic computer skills.
“They have even offered to train 20 teachers on how to use computers for two hours every month so that they will be more capable at teaching the children,” she added.