A PROGRAMME, coordinated by the Air Itam service centre and six Chinese primary schools, has been launched to ensure that Year Six pupils in the constituency can join an educational trip to the Penang History Gallery located in George Town.
Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng said the initiative was designed to give every pupil an equal chance to join a meaningful year-end activity.
“We know some parents cannot afford their children’s graduation trips, so we wanted to make sure no child is left behind,” he told reporters.
Ng said the gallery was selected because it features exhibits on the state’s early development and the struggles of past generations.
“This is an opportunity for the children to understand how Penang grew and the sacrifices made by those who came before us,” he said, noting the pivotal role played by early settlers in shaping the state.
Ng said the visits were arranged in batches to accommodate all participating schools, involving a total of 359 pupils and teachers.
The schools involved are SJK(C) Sin Kang, SJK (C) Chung Hwa Confucian A, SJK (C) Chiao Nan, SJK (C) Chung Hwa Confucian B, SJK (C) Kong Min Pusat, and SJK (C) Kong Min Cawangan 1.
Ng said all entry fees are fully sponsored by Education Development and Transformation Council, while schools or their Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) will manage the transport.
“This is a shared effort. The priority is to make sure the students get the experience regardless of their background,” he explained.
He added that a national school may be included in the programme next year, depending on resources.
“Each pupil will receive an activity card and will be guided through the centre by facilitators. Traditional games will form part of the activities, and the pupils will also complete a postcard-based trail across the centre’s three floors,” he added.
The gallery’s chief executive officer, Cool Koe, expressed hope that the visit would help pupils understand Penang’s heritage.
He said the exhibits depict wartime scenes and the work of manual labourers at the old port.
“They will also take part in simple heritage experiences, such as trying a trishaw ride,” he said.
Dr Lee Eng Wah, who is the Education Development and Transformation Council president, said many parents have not brought their children to such places, and the outing provides valuable exposure.
He said the programme aims to help pupils appreciate local culture and the contributions of earlier generations.
Also present was Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee