Papar school short of RM2.5m for block
Published on: Sunday, February 23, 2020
By: jeremy S Zabala
PAPAR: SMK St Joseph Papar is in dire need of financial aid for its new school building structure completion and urged the public, particularly former students, for help.
Its Alumni Association President cum school’s Building Committee Chairman Datuk John Anthony said the project is in need for some RM2.5 million more for the overall completion which comprises two blocks.
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He said the school carried out various activities in previous years which have been the source of funds to drive the project aside from receiving allocations from the State Government but was still insufficient to cover the whole RM4.5million project.
“The status of funding, which are sourced from donations and through assistance from government, is currently at RM2.1 million. Based on the current funding at hand, we still require about RM2.5 million for the overall completion of the proposed new school building.
“The physical progress as on February, 2020, is 78 per cent which is another few steps towards completed, so near yet so far,” he told a press conference on Friday.
Also present were Principal Jenith Mahibol as well as its administration and board members.
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With the original school’s structure deteriorating, Anthony said the new building is obviously crucial not only to ensure the safety of the students but also to reduce cost in terms of maintenance especially for the long run.
He said that the school is significantly relevant for the town and surrounding area which led to the construction for the new building as it is conducive for students.
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He also said the existing schools, a two-storey structure partially made of wood and concrete, has classes from Form 1 to 5, accommodates some 970 students which has been increasing each year.
Despite having the numbers growing, he said the school has only one science lab and deemed to be insufficient.
“The new building will not only aim to accommodate growing numbers of students but also to provide more facilities in terms of science labs for physics, chemistry and biology as well as computer labs for the students’ learning process,” he added.
Since the beginning of the project planning, Anthony said the committee carried out events to raise funds to meet the amount required and at the same time appealing for more aid from the State Government towards its urgent completion.
“Apart from various fund-raising activities, there were many generous people especially the alumni of Saint Joseph’s school and companies that contributed to the school in forms of cash and materials. To name a few are City Top Enterprise and Brilliant Trading & Supplies which donated roofing sheets and G.I.C Channel respectively.
“Various fund-raising activities had also been conducted. The school also offered to all the alumni and generous people out there, the 16 new classrooms to be sponsored with a minimum amount of RM10,000 each,” he said.
He also said after more than six decades, the school has produced many successful and professionals, adding many of them made the school proud by their achievements at various level.
“Despite the condition of the school, students from various places request to learn in this school. People look up to the school as it never failed to shine and perform excellent results in all aspects.
“It is high time for students to have a comfortable and conducive premise to study and continue to produce future leaders and great people.
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