Sowing seeds of change for disadvantaged youth
THE Academic Mentor Programme (AMeP) is to be extended to southwest Penang this year, with particular focus on Teluk Kumbar fishing villages.

Providing quality education to needy children free of charge, the programme had received favourable feedback from parents and students since it started in Tanjong constituency last year.

AMeP provided opportunities for underprivileged students to participate in workshops, outdoor learning sessions and study skills presentations conducted by educators and volunteers, reported state publisher Buletin Mutiara.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said with Learning Kingdom Education as one of the sponsors, the programme would benefit more than eight primary and secondary schools in the area.

“Education is not just about textbooks and exams. It is also about unlocking the potential within each one of us.

“It is about nurturing curiosity, fostering creativity and empowering individuals to become architects of their future and leaders of tomorrow,” Chow said before launching the programme at the Penang2030 Centre in Lebuh Macallum, George Town.

He believed the programme would bridge the academic disparities the students faced and empower them to pursue their dreams.

AMeP blended well with the state government’s objective to boost human capital development, said Chow, who also closed the “Water is Life” colouring competition, organised by Penang SEED.

The Chief Minister called on more organisations to participate in AMeP by giving their support to Penang SEED, a non-governmental organisation providing equal education opportunities to underprivileged children.

On Oct 1 last year, Penang SEED successfully organised “Light in George Town” Mid-Autumn Charity Lantern Walk, together with MPKK Pkyett/Northam Road (village safety and development council) and Learning Kingdom Education.

Penang SEED president Inna Lee Yin Nah AMeP was initiated last year at Kedah Road to assist children from low-income families in their studies.

“We also teach students, mainly from the B40 group, soft skills apart from helping them with their homework,” Lee said.

Chow later gave away prizes to winners of the colouring competition.
THE Academic Mentor Programme (AMeP) is to be extended to southwest Penang this year, with particular focus on Teluk Kumbar fishing villages.