ALOR STAR: Some 300 students today received schooling assistance from the Association of Wives and Women Members of the Malaysian Civil Service (Puspanita) through its 'Back to School' initiative, jointly organised with the Kedah State Secretary Incorporated.
The initiative saw 103 of the student beneficiaries and their families attending the aid distribution ceremony at Dewan Seri Negeri, Wisma Darul Aman.
A sum of RM150 was distributed to the attendees at the ceremony, with the Raja Puan Muda of Kedah Che Puan Muda Zaheeda Mohamad Ariff gracing the event.
Norazura Ahmad, a 45-year-old school janitor, expressed her appreciation for the financial support her son, Mohd Syafiq Shahidan, 15, received.
Norazura said that such assistance significantly reduces her financial strain as she supports Syafiq on a single income as her husband being unable to work due to health complications.
"Alhamdulillah, having the Raja Puan Muda present to personally distribute the assistance to my son was a great honour.
"The cost of school necessities has risen. This aid helps me to purchase high-quality study materials and proper stationery for my son," she said after receiving the aid.
Syafiq, a student at SMK Tajar, hoped for more educational support initiatives to aid his academic pursuits.
"I'm grateful for the aid, it's a great morale boost for the new school term. I hope there will be more aid to help students," he added.
2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia candidate, Puteri Aimi Nabila Mohamad Afizan, 17, said that the support shown by the Raja Puan Muda has spurred her academic ambitions.
"l plan on getting straight As for my SPM and hopefully make it into Law school in Universiti Malaya. Receiving this aid is an honour and I feel motivated to chase my goals," said the SMK Sultanah Bahiyah student.
Aimi's mother, Wan Rosmidar Wan Ismail, 45, said that schooling cost, especially for SPM candidates, can be exorbitant.
"Every little bit assists. I plan to use this aid to secure the necessary school supplies for my daughter for the upcoming term," said the civil servant.
Meanwhile, Kedah Puspanita chairman Datin Norhasni Ishak said that today's assistance is aligned with the group's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives for the year.
"Entering its fifth year, this programme offers cash assistance as a means to lighten the load on parents preparing for their children's school needs.
"I am hopeful that this support not only encourages students to eagerly return to school but also inspires them to excel academically," she added.