Rotary Club of KK Pearl distributes bags to students in Pitas

PITAS (Feb 7): The Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl (RCKK Pearl) successfully carried out its Bag2School Programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pandan Mandamai, Pitas, benefitting 104 primary school students under Project REAL.
The programme, held recently, saw members of the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl making the long journey from Kota Kinabalu, departing as early as 5.00 am  to ensure the initiative reach students in the rural interior.
Despite challenging road conditions from Kota Belud to Pitas, marked by large potholes and uneven stretches, the team remained committed and in high spirits throughout the journey, reflecting Rotary’s strong dedication to serving underserved communities.
The Bag2School Programme is part of a broader collaborative effort involving Rotary Clubs from Kota Kinabalu District, Sandakan and Tawau, in partnership with Yayasan Kelab-Kelab Rotary Malaysia and supported by the Sabah State Education Department.
Beyond the distribution of school bags, the programme aims to motivate and inspire children from B40 families, instilling confidence, hope, and a belief that education can transform lives. The bright smiles and excitement on the students’ faces underscored the meaningful impact of the initiative.
“It is always heartening to see our contributions being well received, especially by deserving children,” said Datin Dr Jeanette Tambakau, President of the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl.
“With the escalating cost of living, some families may struggle to afford proper school necessities for their children. Through this programme, the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl hopes to ease that burden and encourage students to pursue education with confidence. My heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful Pearls who made the effort to participate and serve.”
The Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl also expressed its sincere appreciation to Rohana Biriska, the headmaster of SK Pandan Mandamai, and the school staff for their warm welcome and close cooperation.
The club further acknowledged Focus Lumber for its generous RM2,500 sponsorship, which enabled the purchase of the school bags distributed to the students.
Through initiatives such as Bag2School, the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl continues to uphold its commitment to Service Above Self, working hand in hand with communities to build a brighter and more equitable future for Sabah’s children.