KUANTAN: Excitement was written all over the faces of some 250 primary and secondary school students here yesterday as they were taken on a shopping spree for new school kits ahead of the new term which begins next week.
Accompanied by their parents, the children received two uniforms, a school bag, socks and shoes which were contributed by Kuantan Wanita Umno division for underprivileged pupils.
Sisters Nurul Umairah Rozaini, 10, and Nurzakirah Farhana Rozaini, 7, were among those who went home happy after choosing and buying the items.
Nurul Umairah, who has five siblings, said she was going to wear their old uniforms.
“I am very happy and grateful to the sponsors for providing me with new uniforms and shoes. My parents have provided us with the best and I do not want to trouble them as they have to support my siblings as well,” she said as she held clutched a plastic bag which contained the new school kit.
Her mother Norhayati Mat Zin, 41, said her husband Rozaini Abd Rahim, 49, worked as a lorry driver and his income was enough to support the family.
“I am only a housewife with six children aged between three and 18... it is a little headache for my husband and me to prepare them for the new school term. We are grateful when there are people coming forward to assist” she said.
Kuantan Wanita Umno division chief Datuk Zaiton Mat said the Back to School programme was organised to reduce the burden faced by parents from poor backgrounds to prepare their children for school.
“This programme is an annual event and this year we received contributions from the division chief Datuk Seri Wan Adnan Wan Mamat so that we could provide help to more students. Wanita Umno representatives at branch level chose and nominated the names of those eligible for the aid.
“Due to financial constraints not all parents are able to provide new school uniforms, shoes and bags for their children, so we try to assist and ensure that the pupils attend school in high spirits,” she said, adding that the division also provided free haircuts at three locations here on Sunday.