SEPANG: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) adopted four new schools under its fourth phase of Beyond Border School Adoption Programme on Wednesday.
The four schools will be the latest addition to 32 schools under its programme, said MAHB managing director Datuk Badlisham Ghazali.
A total of 1,900 Standard 4 students and 25 teachers are expected to benefit from the programme, he added.
The schools are Sekolah Kebangsaan Dengkil, Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Tamil) Dengkil, Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) Wah Lian and Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Bangkong (Asli)
"Our main objective in implementing this programme is to ensure sustainable progress in improving English language proficiency among primary school children.
"This is done by laying a strong foundation and understanding of the language not only through conventional means within a classroom setting but also through creative means in a fun environment," he said at the launching of fourth phase of the programme at Sama-Sama Hotel.
He said students were encouraged to listen, speak, read and write the language, as well as boost their confidence by participating in activities such as drama and storytelling.
"From the time we started in 2007, this programme has managed to create a positive impact to around 20,000 students from all our adopted schools," he added.
Malaysia Airports’ Beyond Borders programme is a nationwide school adoption programme aimed at elevating a healthy, competitive and creative academic standard by raising awareness on the importance of education in order to enhance self-esteem and English literacy among underprivileged children.
Badlisham said the schools adopted in the third phase has achieved an average pass of 73.11 per cent for English in 2016, compared 63.52 per cent when the programme started in 2007.
"For the fourth phase, the adoption period will be until 2019, where we will follow the progress of students who are currently in Year 4.
"The schools were chosen based on certain academic and social criteria as well as their location within the vicinity of our business operations," he added.
Deputy Education Minister who was also present at the event said MAHB's initiative is highly commendable.
"Corporate sectors particularly government-linked companies are always encouraged by the government to participate and practice good citizenship in the effort to create a more balanced growth and sustainability development.
"This will ultimately help Malaysia transform into a high-income nation," he added.