MORE than 500 Year One pupils from 15 Tamil schools in the Klang Valley, Rawang, Malacca and Pahang held their heads high when they received their certificates of participation in the 2009 SMILES English Enrichment Programme from the GAB Foun-dation recently.
A collaboration between GAB Foundation and Tamil Foundation, the programme was aimed at helping Year One Tamil school pupils develop a foundation of the English language at an early age.
Pupils who took part in the programme attended additional English classes above their regular curriculum. The programme was tailored to teach these pupils to communicate in English using games and activities, therefore creating fun and interesting use of the language.
Tuck in: The children unwinding after a whirlwind of activities and excitement with a scrumptious meal. The programme, conducted over 12 months, had proven to be a success, as the pupils have shown confidence in using the English language in their daily conversation.
They have also started reading more English books and are much more engaging in language-building activities during class.
“The pupils have gained self-confidence under this programme. They are more confident when conversing in English, be it in or out of class,” said GAB Foundation chairman Tan Sri Saw Huat Lye.
“With the success of this pilot programme, the foundation has made a commitment to continue its involvement in the English Enrichment Programme for 2010 through SMILES – Supporting Malaysian Indian Learning, Education and Sports programme.
“Currently, we are assessing how we can effectively support and grow this programme to benefit more Tamil school pupils with the cooperation of the Tamil Foundation,” he added.
At the event, the pupils also impressed the guests with their rendition of rhymes, story-telling, choral reading and other acts, that not only displayed their creativity but what they had learnt.
The audience also had a great time watching the children perform. The merriment of the day continued when the children, as well as the guests, were treated to a special lunch.
The event was also attended by Tamil Foundation president K. Uthayasoorian, headmasters and parents.
Since its inception in 2008, the GAB Foundation has been supporting numerous projects that support the local Indian community.
Among the programmes that the foundation has supported are the Total Immersion Camp – a 21-day English camp for Year Six pupils, the sponsorship of fully-equipped reading corners to 11 Tamil schools and one orphanage in the Klang Valley, and the sponsorship of school supplies to more than 600 Tamil pupils.
So far, GAB Foundation has donated RM600,000 towards helping Tamil schoolchildren.
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