TUARAN: The WeHelp programme by the Sabah State Education Department is significantly contributing to the state government's efforts in advancing human capital development in the state, Sabah Media reported.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor stated that this initiative undoubtedly ensures targeted aid distribution, ultimately delivering a positive impact on the recipients.
"I hope the assistance delivered for the year 2024 will achieve its objectives and have a positive impact on the target groups, ultimately contributing to the state's development and prosperity as well as the wellbeing of the people.
"The state government will always support every effort by the Sabah State Education Department in producing knowledgeable, educated, and skilled human capital in the state," he said during the launch of the WeHelp programme.
The event, which also saw the distribution of spectacles, school bags, and cheques by the Sabah State Education Department, took place at the SMK Badin Tuaran Open Hall yesterday. Executive Chairman of Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd Datuk Jasnih Daya read the Chief Minister's speech on his behalf.
In the speech, Hajiji highlighted the importance of programmes like WeHelp in aiding the educational development of children, aligning with the second core of the Sabah Maju Jaya direction, focusing on human capital and public wellbeing.
"With the diligent efforts and commitment through the WeHelp initiative, every student in the state can be assisted according to their individual needs based on the profiling obtained through student needs surveys," he said.
Hajiji also mentioned that the state government is deeply concerned about the living conditions of all Sabahans, including the education of Sabahan children, especially those from B40 families, as they are the future human capital continuing the government's agenda through the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan.
"Therefore, the state government has initiated several educational assistance programmes for school students, including the BUDI One-Off IPT Registration Cash Aid, BAIK Computer Aid, BAKTI Examination Cash Aid, and the Sabah Education Excellence Award (AKSA).
"In addition, the state government has increased the State Government Scholarship fund from RM50 million to RM101 million annually to ensure more eligible Sabah children have the opportunity to pursue higher education.
"These aids not only significantly alleviate the financial burdens of the poor and B40 families but also ensure that no children are deprived of educational opportunities in the state," he said.