TNB Strengthens Education Support For Underprivileged Students Nationwide

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- While many parents view schooling expenses as a seasonal burden at the beginning of the academic year, the reality for thousands of low-income families is that the financial pressure continues long after registration ends.

From replacing worn-out shoes and uniforms to providing stationery, spectacles and daily necessities, the hidden cost of staying in school remains a challenge for many households throughout the year.

Recognising these ongoing struggles, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has continued to strengthen its education-focused community initiatives aimed at helping underprivileged students remain in school comfortably and confidently.

Initiatives such as Ceria Ke Sekolah Programme, Pintar School Adoption Programme and Trust School Programme, are not only helping ease financial burdens but also boosting students’ confidence, motivation and exposure beyond the classroom.

Educators involved in the programmes say the support provided may appear simple, but its impact on students, particularly those from underserved communities, is significant. 

A teacher from Sekolah Integrasi Rendah Agama Jawi Saidina Othman Ibnu Affan (Siraj Suba), Bandar Tun Razak, Umair Kelsom said the Ceria Ke Sekolah initiative has helped students overcome barriers that could affect their learning experience.

“I deeply appreciate Ceria Ke Sekolah initiative supporting underprivileged children, helping them overcome financial barriers to realise their potential. Such initiatives should be expanded to benefit more students and families in need,” she said.

Previously known as the Back to School programme, Ceria Ke Sekolah was introduced to help B40 families reduce schooling expenses by providing essential items, such as uniforms, shoes and stationery to underprivileged students nationwide.

Since 2013, the initiatives have benefited over 86,000 families, including in Sabah and Sarawak. Apart from providing school necessities, student development programmes are also seen as equally important in nurturing confidence, leadership and social development among children from rural and underserved communities.

A teacher from Sekolah Kebangsaan Kerunai in Gerik, Khalidah Ahmad, described the Pintar School Adoption Programme as an initiative that gives students meaningful exposure beyond their normal learning environment.

“The Pintar School Adoption Programme is an engaging and challenging initiative that provides valuable opportunities for students to interact with new friends, explore new places, and gain meaningful experiences. It is a programme that truly benefits their growth and development,” she said.

Introduced in 2007, the Pintar School Adoption Programme, an initiative by Khazanah Nasional focuses on improving learning opportunities for students in rural and underserved areas through academic support activities, motivational camps, sports training and leadership programmes. 

This initiative, which aligns with the Pelan Pembangunan Pendidikan Malaysia 2013-2035, has benefited more than 4,000 students from 66 primary schools nationwide.

Meanwhile, Wan Naimah from Sekolah Kebangsaan Pulau Serai, Dungun, said activities conducted under the programme had helped improve students’ confidence and leadership qualities both inside and outside the classroom.

“Pintar School Adoption Programme is highly beneficial, fostering students’ leadership skills and boosting their confidence both in and beyond the classroom. The camps have provided valuable learning experiences, with students showing significant improvement and eagerly anticipating future sessions,” she said.

Additionally, the Trust School Programme, launched in 2017 through a collaboration between TNB, the Ministry of Education and Yayasan AMIR, is another initiative aimed at improving the quality of education in selected national schools.

The programme focuses on enhancing student learning through teacher training, better school management and an improvement to the school environment.

A total of eight schools in Klang, Kuala Lumpur; Manjung, Perak; Jeli, Kelantan and Dungun, Terengganu have benefited from the initiative.

Apart from education support programmes, TNB has also contributed free spectacles to more than 1,000 students nationwide through the Better Brighter Vision programme.

These initiatives reflect its commitment to helping underprivileged students gain better access to education and continue learning in a more supportive environment.

Beyond academic support, such initiatives also reflect growing efforts to ensure children from vulnerable backgrounds are not left behind due to financial hardship or limited opportunities.

-- BERNAMA