The CAREbinet by The Risers initiative was officially launched last Thursday at SMK Seri Tasik in Bandar Sri Permaisuri, Cheras, KL.
TO foster positive impacts on local B40 school communities, Taylor’s College recently launched the “CAREbinet by The Risers” initiative at SMK Seri Tasik in Bandar Sri Permaisuri, Cheras in Kuala Lumpur on May 11.
Organised by the institution’s student engagement arm – The Risers – the initiative aims to fulfil the fundamental needs of school students in underserved communities so that they can excel in their academic pursuits.
The initiative also aims to empower the school communities to develop a culture of sustainable practices to ensure an equitable and inclusive future for all.
CAREbinet by The Risers was initially conceptualised in response to the challenges faced by many families in supporting their children’s education, particularly due to increasing costs of essential goods.
To address this issue, Taylor’s College has committed RM200,000 to support the initiative in building and distributing cabinets or “CAREbinets” to schools in Kuala Lumpur.
The cabinets will be filled and restocked monthly from March to December this year thanks to the support of the college’s partners which include Adabi Consumer Industries, Gardenia Bakeries KL, Jasmine Food Corporation, Kotex Malaysia, Mereka and Unilever Malaysia.
Some of the essential items that will be stocked in the cabinets include bread, rice, soup paste, instant beverages, hand soap, shampoo, deodorant and sanitary pads.
The cabinets, which are made using sustainable materials sourced from plastic waste, used beverage cartons and polyAI panel boards, were built by The Risers’ ambassadors and students from Taylor’s College, with guidance from and assistance from creative hub Mereka.
To kick off the initiative, Taylor’s College identified 14 schools to benefit from the first phase of this programme, before expanding its reach to more schools in the future.
These schools include SMK(P) Air Panas, SMK Bandar Tasik Selatan, SMK Cheras, SMK Cochrane Perkasa, SMK Convent Bukit Nanas, SMK Danau Kota, SMK Dato’ Onn, SMK Desa Petaling, SMK Menjalara, SMK Seri Pantai, SMK Seri Permaisuri, SMK Seri Tasik, SMK Tinggi Setapak and SMK Wangsa Maju Seksyen 2.
With a commitment of RM200,000 for the campaign, the cabinets will be restocked with essential goods monthly.
“At Taylor’s College we are passionate about ensuring that every student has equal access to academic excellence. Our partners for CAREbinet by The Risers share this vision, believing that no student should be held back by their socioeconomic status,” says Taylor’s College campus director Josephine Tan.
“As a purpose-led institution, we are committed to being not only the best in the world, but the best for the world. That’s why we strive to support the causes outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on education for all.
“By empowering students and promoting sustainable practices, we can make a meaningful difference in society and create a brighter future for all.”
In addition to providing essential items, the initiative will also educate the school communities on sustainable practices to foster a culture of sustainability through a series of educational programmes such as school talks and workshops.
Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Education Department (JPWPKL) deputy director Zainudin Mohamad, who was present at the launch, believes that collaborations like this play a crucial role in uplifting underserved communities.
“On behalf of JPWPKL, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude to our esteemed partner, Taylor’s College, for their unwavering commitment and proactive efforts in spearheading the remarkable CAREbinet by The Risers project,” he says.
“This noble initiative serves as a beacon of hope, aimed at uplifting educational institutions, particularly school premises, which play a vital role in shaping our society.”
Last year, The Risers collaborated with JPWPKL for the “Bag to School” campaign, which supported 1,000 students in Bangsar, Pudu, Keramat and Sentul in the Klang Valley with school essentials.
The Risers was established by Taylor’s College as a community that aims to foster an environment of conscious thought and action, providing opportunities for students and school leaders to develop leadership skills, which can be applied in both their personal and professional lives.
To find out more about CAREbinet by The Risers, click here.
