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News: Helping rural pupils excel in studies

By ESTHER CHANDRAN

GIVING pupils in rural areas an opportunity to have access to better education is what the Sekolah Cemerlang DuPont project is all about.

The initiative by DuPont Malaysia Sdn Bhd, launched for the Hulu Langat area by Hulu Langat MP Datuk Markiman Kobiran last month, involves three schools - SK Rinching Hilir, SK Sungei Lui and SJK (C) Batu 14.

DuPont Malaysia managing director Dr A. Hapiz Abdullah said the Sekolah Cemerlang project reached out to pupils in rural schools.

It first kicked off in 2001 in the Semenyih area, followed by one in Karak in 2004.

A kick-start: Pupils from SK Rinching Hilir, SK Sungei Lui and SJK (C) Batu 14 with the officials at the launch of the ‘Sekolah Cemerlang DuPont’ project.

“DuPont is committed to promoting and nurturing an interest in Science, Mathematics and English among rural children, who do not generally get much exposure in Science-based subjects,” Hapiz said at the event’s launch at Hotel Equatorial Bangi.

He said the basic objectives of the project was to encourage the learning of Science, Mathematics and English among rural children at an early age, make learning Science fun and full of adventure and discovery and encourage creativity and teamwork among children.

The project also stresses on encouraging children in primary schools to perform better in the UPSR examination and help them develop an interest in the environment and promote greening of the environment.

The project at the Hulu Langat schools is in collaboration with the Education Ministry and will involve pupils in Year 4 and 5 with a continuation project in 2008 for pupils in Year 5 and 6.

The company would sponsor books and teaching aids.

Hapiz said 461 pupils would benefit from the project.

Among the activities planned are motivational talks for parents and pupils, tuition classes by teachers for pupils and a challenge to pupils to win the DuPont trophies for Best Science pupil, Best Mathematics pupil and Best English pupil.

“DuPont employees will visit the schools to enhance the interaction between the parties involved and monitor their progress as teachers will provide quarterly examination results of each school,” he said.

A visit to the Malaysian International Aerospace Exhibition 2007 is planned for the second term and a tree planting activity to green the earth and promote environmental awareness and sustainable development has been lined up.

“We hope these efforts will help bridge the knowledge gap between the rural pupils and their urban counterparts. This is a wonderful opportunity to prove that rural school children, given the right help and guidance are just as intelligent as their urban peers,” Dr Hapiz said.

He said seeing pupils from the previously initiated “Sekolah Cemerlang” projects excel, inspired DuPont to do more.

posted by Miss Aini @ 5:46 am