KUCHING: SMK St Joseph here needs RM1 million to repair the south wing of its Mill Hill block.
The block has been declared unsafe due to many cracks that were identified by the school and all teaching sessions in the nine classrooms in the block have ceased.
Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Dr. Sim Kui Hian, who revealed this yesterday, explained: “St Joseph’s schools are government aided schools. Hence, the government takes care of the teachers’ paychecks and the schools’ operational costs such as electricity, security and more.
“However, for cases such as repair work, the money has to come from the school’s Board of Management, the Old Boys’ Association and also the church.
“Therefore, apart from organising events to raise funds, the school also needs public donations so that repair work can be undertaken as soon as possible.”
The press conference was held at the Pusat Sumber of SMK St Joseph. Also present was the school’s Principal, Thomas Lau Ing Ngan.
At the same time, Sim also disclosed that up to RM2 million was needed to repair the central portion of the Mill Hill block.
“This block is the oldest in the school. We want to raise funds as early as possible. We do not want to wait until the block is declared unsafe.
“But we will give priority to the south wing first,” he said.
Meanwhile, in conjunction with SMK St Joseph’s 135th anniversary, the school will be organising a total of 13 events from this month until December to raise funds.
“The events include Health Screening and Talk, Blood & Organ Drive, The “White Rajah” Musical Drama, the Ora et Labora Run and the school’s 135th anniversary dinner,” said Sim.
He said members of the public were welcome to donate any amount for the immediate repair of the school blocks.
Donations can be made directly to the school and any enquiries can be made by calling the school at 082-240885.
