PAITAN: The School Uniform Assistance Programme continues to be a key initiative by the Sabah State government in safeguarding the welfare of low-income families while encouraging full participation of students in the education system.
Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said the programme was first introduced in 1979 as part of the government’s efforts to protect the welfare of its people.
“In its early implementation, the programme was managed by Yayasan Sabah before it was fully taken over by the State government in 1991 through the Ministry of Community Development and Consumer Affairs, now known as the Ministry of Community Development and People’s Wellbeing,” he said during the ceremony held at the Paitan District Office on Thursday.
He said the main objective of the aid is to ease the financial burden of parents, to ensure students have basic school necessities, as well as to encourage regular school attendance without feeling left out.
“With uniforms, shoes and stationery, students not only feel more motivated to learn, but they can also build self-confidence and discipline,” he said.
Data shows that 1,074 primary schools in Sabah benefit from the programme, with 227,660 students receiving school uniforms and shoes, while 221,104 students received stationery aid.
In the Paitan district alone, 20 schools with a total of 2,339 students have received this assistance.
James stressed that the State government remains committed to maintaining this welfare programme, as education is a long-term investment in building quality human capital.
“We want every child in Sabah, whether in urban or rural areas, to enjoy equal access to education for a brighter future,” he said.
He also urged all recipients of the assistance to appreciate the opportunity given.
“I hope the students will make full use of the provided supplies, study diligently, cherish the sacrifices of their parents and teachers, and grow to become valuable individuals to society and the nation in the future,” he said.
