Govindasamy (third from right), discussing a point with Fadhlina Sidek (yellow vest). With them are (from left) Kumaresan, Sundarajoo, headmistress K. Mageswary and Education Malaysia (Professional Development Sector) deputy director-general Shafruddin Ali Hussin at the project site. — Photos: KT GOH/The Star
AN extension block of SJK(T) Subramaniya Barathee in Gelugor, George Town, is expected to be completed by next month at a cost of RM3mil.
The school’s board chairman J. Govindasamy said, “The existing building was opened in 2014 with 13 classrooms.
“And what we need is 18 classrooms in total.
“There has been a lack of room for special learning activities, such as for art, music and computing in the school.
The school needs 18 classrooms to cater to 425 pupils.
“With the recent rise in intakes at the school, the need for more classrooms further escalated.
“In 2015, we had only 208 pupils but the number has increased to 425 this year.”
Govindasamy added that to meet demand, the school raised funds via various channels to construct a four-storey extension block.
“In 2017, the Education Ministry allocated RM800,000 and we raised a RM500,000 at a fundraising dinner and another RM500,000 from another event.
“Construction of the extension block started in August last year and we expect it to be completed by next month, and to open for use by the middle of the year.
“The new classrooms will include a computer lab, music and art room, workshop, virtual reality studio, as well as robotic, treatment and rooms for religious classes.
The extension being built at SJK(T) Subramaniya Barathee in Gelugor.
“There will also be an additional room for a pre-school, equipped with a kitchen and small playground,” he said.
Govindasamy said to complete the project and equip the rooms with amenities for learning, the school was still short of about RM2mil in funds.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek paid a visit to the school to inspect the project’s progress and allocated RM100,000 for it.
Also present were Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan and Penang housing and environment committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu.
The original SJK(T) Subramaniya Barathee was a building constructed in 1952 by Sri Veerama Kaliamman Devasthanam temple committee on the Brown Estate land with donations from Brown Estate management, Indian communities and estate workers to serve as a community hall.
Tamil classes were introduced for the elderly followed by primary Tamil schooling.
The school was relocated to its present site in 2014.
