Rotary pledges RM20k for Penampang school
Published on: Tuesday, July 23, 2024
By: Lorena Binisol
RCLB members distributing the foodstuff to SK St Theresa pupils.
PENAMPANG: SK St. Theresa in Inobong received a RM20,000 grant from the Yayasan Kelab-Kelab Rotary Malaysia (Rotary Foundation) for rehabilitating the school following severe damage from a massive flood on June 30.
Rotary Club of Likas Bay (RCLB) President, Kevin Chong, expressed his gratitude to the Rotary Foundation Chairman, Datuk Hj Zainie bin Aucasa, for the grant to purchase new furniture to assist the students in their studies.
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In response to the disaster, RCLB led by its President Kevin Chong, also coordinated relief efforts and handed over food supplies to the school.
The food assistance, valued at RM10,000, was funded by the District 3310 Disaster Fund in partnership with CKS Supermarket, which donated mineral water in addition to the food packs.
The flood, which submerged lowland houses, left Penampang residents in shock. For the first time in its history, SK St. Theresa saw floodwaters reach a height of seven feet, higher than previous floods, which had only risen to about three feet, according to the school’s headmaster, Loisin Gompul.
It had caused extensive damage throughout the school, affecting not only the building but also essential furniture and equipment.
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RCLB mobilised food aid for 330 individuals, including 17 teachers, 275 students, 25 preschool children, and general staff such as cleaners, canteen workers, and security guards.
Past president of RCLB, Audrey Koh, said that all the school’s desks and chairs were damaged due to being submerged, leaving them in a dilapidated condition.
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Other items damaged included photocopy machines, school books, documents, and guardhouse, which was almost completely submerged.
Meanwhile, RCLB also made a donation to the National Stroke Association Malaysia, Sabah (Nasam) of items for stroke patient rehabilitation, including blood pressure machines, aerobic steppers, and 10 machines.
The items were handed over by Kevin Chong to Nasam representative Mary Gabriel Lim.
The handing-over ceremony was witnessed by Past District Governors Phillip Chong and Datuk Lee Chuen Wan.
Kevin expressed a commitment in collaborating with other NGOs to create a community that makes a difference, in line with this year’s Rotary Theme for 2024/2025, “The Magic of Rotary.”
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