Lee (front row, centre, in white cap) with other guests at the opening of the disability-friendly walkway.
A COVERED walkway now protects nearly 2,000 Selayang Baru students from the heat and heavy rain, thanks to Eco World Foundation.
The corporate social responsibility arm of Eco World Development Group Bhd launched the walkway built for SMK Selayang Bharu in a ceremony highlighting the group’s efforts in building basic school facilities.
The ceremony was attended by group president and chief executive officer Datuk Chang Khim Wah, foundation chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and members of the foundation’s board of trustees.
The school in Batu Caves, Selangor, has 1,974 students, including 142 special needs students.
Aiming to improve lives for the young generation, the company’s EcoWorld Cares initiative covers aspects of education, empowerment, economic stability, financial freedom and job security.
The foundation’s educational assistance also covers the provision of classroom furniture and the improvement of school landscapes.
Since it was set up in 2014, the foundation has spent RM1.26mil annually on 2,000 students across 117 schools under its Students Aid Programme (SAP).
The SAP aims to provide basic educational aid to underprivileged students.
“The Eco World Foundation believes that education is one of the most important aspects and that every student deserves equal educational opportuni-ties,” said Lee.
“The provision of basic school infrastructure must also be emphasised to ensure that the needs of these students are met.
“Social responsibility is the commitment and obligation of individuals, organisations and companies to voluntarily contribute to society and the environment.
He added that the foundation supported the government’s call to ease the burden of special needs students via quality education which would enable them to reach their full potential.
SMK Selayang Bharu’s 21m covered walkway, known as “Laluan Teduhan Eco Mutiara”, will especially benefit the school’s special needs students.
Equipped with lights and handles for these students, the walkway has helped create a more complete and conducive school environment.
“Cooperation and contributions from various parties are very important for positive development among students with special needs, as well as for helping to produce skilled people with potential to be an asset to the country,” said Lee.
The foundation hopes that more agencies and corporate companies will continue to channel aid to schools and those in need, regardless of race and religion.
