CIMB champions English learning

KUALA LUMPUR: In a move to boost the proficiency of the English language among students of rural primary schools, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd — via its Community Link programme, funded by CIMB Foundation — had contributed over RM65,000 to three primary schools in Pahang.

The funds will be used to further develop the “Act on Your English” Project for Year One students of Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Bukit Bota, Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Bukit Segumpal and Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Chenor.

Additionally, “Back to School” kits from CIMB Foundation were presented to the student representatives of these three schools. These kits were pledges by young golfers under CIMB Junior Golf Development Programme.

For every hole-in-one, birdie, eagle or albatross the junior golfers scored during tournaments last year, CIMB Foundation had agreed to donate “Back to School” kits to underprivileged kids.

The kits include school uniforms, school bags, school shoe vouchers, pencil cases and stationery items.

In Pahang alone, CIMB Group has implemented 35 projects since 2007, with total funds contributed at RM435,000.

“One main focus of the Community Link projects is education and we emphasise on enhancing the proficiency of the English language among the communities in Malaysia,” explained CIMB Bank executive director Datuk Sulaiman Mohd Tahir.

In 2011, CIMB Foundation approved 51 education projects of this nature, with total funding of over RM930,000 nationwide,” explained Sulaiman.

Since the Community Link programme inception in 2007, staff from 325 CIMB Bank and CIMB Islamic branches nationwide have been closely involved with the communities and non-governmental organisations to identify the needs of the communities where they operate.

A total of 695 Community Link projects have since been initiated with total funding amounting to RM29.3 million.