Negeri Sembilan, 6 December 2021 – McDonald’s Malaysia and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) have reinstated the annual “Back-to-School” programme this year after the pandemic and lockdown. More than 21,000 students from urban poor families nationwide are set to benefit from this programme where school supplies worth in excess of RM1.66 million will be distributed.
Sekolah Kebangsaan (Felda) Pasir Besar in Gemas, Negeri Sembilan is amongst the first recipients this year. A mock cheque presentation ceremony was held at the newly opened McDonald’s restaurant in Tampin to commemorate the event. The mock cheque was presented by Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald’s Malaysia cum President of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Malaysia. Receiving the mock cheque on behalf of the school was Cikgu Mohamad Zain Md Sevan, the headmaster of SK (Felda) Pasir Besar and witnessed by Encik Alias bin Abdul Samad, Head of the Education District Office.
In total, McDonald's Malaysia and RMHC will be delivering 200 “Back-to-School” packs to students at SK (Felda) Pasir Besar, amounting to RM25,000. Each pack includes a school bag, a water bottle, stationery, and a pair of school shoes.
“The contribution made to this school is close to my heart as I received my primary education at SK (Felda) Pasir Besar. Returning here and giving back to this school that has nurtured and shaped me into what I am today is the least that I could do,” said Azmir.
“More than just a programme to help ease the financial burden of the children’s families, I personally believe that the “Back-to-School” programme also plays an important role in encouraging students to continue their education when the new year comes around. Formal education is critical because it will shape the character of these students and allow them to become upstanding individuals in society one day,” added Azmir
The “Back-to-School” programme is one of the key annual initiatives led by RMHC Malaysia and supported by McDonald’s Malaysia as a major corporate sponsor donor. Since 2017, McDonald's Malaysia and RMHC have been actively donating “Back-to-School” packs to primary school children from urban poor families. As of 2021, nearly RM9 million has been contributed to the “Back-to-School” programme, which has positively impacted the lives of more than 95,000 children nationwide.
“At McDonald’s the bulk of our corporate responsibility initiatives are dedicated towards uplifting the welfare and wellbeing of children. This is because we believe that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, conducive and healthy environment,” said Azmir.
“Through this “Back-to-School” programme, we sincerely hope that it upkeeps the children’s motivation to excel in their education. After all, children are the future of our nation, and some will grow up to be leaders and captains of industries,” he added.
