Back-to-school programme with new content benefits 700 students, says Nancy Shukri (Video)

KUCHING (Dec 14): The annual Back to School programme organised by Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN) returned this year with enhanced content for the first time, benefiting a total of 700 students across Kuching and Lundu, said Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato Sri Nancy Shukri.

Nancy, who is also chairperson of YKN’s Board of Trustees, said the programme went beyond the distribution of school supplies by incorporating educational and awareness components involving multiple agencies.

“Today’s programme is actually a Back to School programme that we organise every year. However, it is more special this year because we have more than one sponsor.

“And this is the first time that we are not only organising a Back to School programme, but also filling its content with programmes from the Royal Malaysia Police, including programmes related to bullying and similar issues. Our counsellors are also giving briefings on current matters that parents need to be aware of,” she told reporters when met during the Program Ceria Kasih and ‘Back to School’ Contributions for the 2026 School Session held at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here on Sunday.

She said the programme drew a strong turnout from parents, many of whom attended on their own initiative without transportation being arranged by the organisers.

Nancy said 500 students benefited from the programme in Kuching, while another 200 students received similar assistance in Lundu, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 700.

She said the timing of the programme was appropriate as students would be starting the new school session in January.

“Students will be going back to school in January, and they receive contributions such as book vouchers, milk, school bags and other school necessities,” she said, adding that the positive response had encouraged organisers to continue the programme next year.

Earlier, in her officiating speech, Nancy said the initiative aimed to ensure children began the 2026 school session with confidence, cheerfulness and joy, and was made possible through close cooperation between Yayasan Kebajikan Negara and its strategic partners.

She acknowledged Yayasan Sime Darby for sponsoring school clothing vouchers, PEKEMA for providing school bags and stationery, and Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad for contributing nutritious milk.

“These contributions not only help the children, but also ease the burden on parents,” she said.

Nancy also expressed appreciation to the Sarawak Education Department through the Kuching and Padawan District Education Offices, as well as volunteers and partner agencies, for their cooperation in ensuring the programme ran smoothly.