By Mercy Almeida Stellus
The final phase of the annual Back to School program of the Church of St Jude came to a meaningful close at the Hari Hari shopping complex on Jan 9.
The event went beyond handing out school items, serving as a powerful testament to what a caring community can achieve when it comes together in the service of its children.
Organised by the Parish Integral Human Development Ministry (PIHDM), in collaboration with SP CARE Clinic, the initiative successfully equipped the third and final group of students, ensuring they step into the new academic year with confidence and dignity.
Since its launch in November 2025, the program has drawn an encouraging outpouring of generosity from parishioners, well-wishers and individual donors. In this concluding session alone, 52 children from underprivileged communities in Rawang, parish families and a children’s home in Kajang, received essential school supplies. Altogether, the program reached 137 children over its three phases.
Each student was provided with a school bag, two sets of uniforms (or tracksuits and sportswear where required), two pairs of school shoes and three pairs of socks — simple items that carry the power to restore confidence, nurture self-worth and open doors to learning.
Addressing the families, Dr Satiya Prakash, founder of SP CARE Clinic and a long-time supporter of the initiative, offered a stirring reminder of the true purpose of education. “The Church and philanthropists are merely catalysts,” he said. “We can provide the tools, but the effort must come from the children and their families. Hard work and diligence are essential, because their future is truly in their own hands.”
The success of the program was made possible through close cooperation between PIHDM, the management of the Hari Hari shopping complex and community partners. Parish priest, Fr Simon Labrooy, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Majlis Datuk Dato’ Malaysia for its support and resources, to the shopping complex management for providing the venue and logistical assistance, and to the pilgrims and parishioners of St Jude’s, Rawang, who formed the grassroots backbone of the initiative. He also paid special tribute to the many generous donors whose contributions enabled the program to grow and reach more children.
Fr Simon stressed that the initiative goes far beyond providing clothing. “This is about long-term impact,” he said. “By ensuring children are properly equipped for school, we help them feel equal to their peers, uphold their dignity and affirm their worth. In doing so, we invest in their education and in the future of our society.”
The Back to School program stands as a testament to what can be achieved when faith communities, civic organisations and individuals work hand in hand for the common good — turning compassion into action and hope into opportunity for the next generation. – Herald Malaysia
