3 days ago
Building the base for a love of learning
Lee (seated left) with SJKC Pandan pupils after launching the upgraded Pondok Kasih at the school in Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/ The Star
SJKC Pandan pupils now have a vibrant new space to read, learn and grow, thanks to the successful upgrading of Pondok Kasih, a reading corner at the Johor Baru school.
Designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and collaborative learning among school pupils and staff, the RM45,000 project was undertaken by Eco Spring, a subsidiary of Eco World, under the foundation's Eco World Cares initiative focusing on education.
The newly revamped space was handed over by Eco World Foundation chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and Eco World (southern region) divisional general manager Phan Yan Chan to SJKC Pandan headmistress Ong Lee Peng in a ceremony.
In his speech, Lee said every student deserved a safe space where he or she could feel inspired, explore creativity and enjoy learning in a meaningful way.
'Pondok Kasih was created with this vision in mind and aligns with our commitment to educational empowerment among students,' he said, thanking the Eco Spring team for bringing the initiative to life.
The transformation included roof replacement, new flooring, improved lighting, ceiling fan installation, a fresh coat of paint and upgraded landscaping.
The result is a cosy and pupil-friendly environment suitable for reading, extra-curricular activities and group discussions.
Praising the initiative, Ong described Pondok Kasih as an area where pupils can read quietly, relax during breaks, engage in group discussions or watch sports events.
She said teachers could also use the space for book sharing, extra-curricular lessons and mentoring sessions.
She extended her appreciation to the school board, Parent-Teacher Association and teachers for their support in the school's development journey.
The reading corner now features well-designed bookshelves, picture book displays and comfortable seating to foster interest in reading, enhance language skills and promote a positive learning environment.
The upgraded Pondok Kasih is expected to benefit 2,457 students and 122 teachers at the school.
SJKC Pandan is one of the many schools supported by Eco World Foundation's Student Aid Programme, which also benefits 28 underprivileged students at the school.
Nationwide, the programme assists about 2,000 students annually.
Last year, Eco World Foundation also contributed nearly RM60,000 to enhance facilities at SK Gelang Patah and SJKT Taman Tun Aminah.
