SIBU: An underprivileged student of SMK Sacred Heart here received a huge boost from Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew.
According to Anthony Chan, the vice-president of Sacred Heart School Old Students Association (Shosha), this was not the first time that Lau had responded promptly and positively to his alumni’s call for help.
“He has consistently stepped forward when it comes to the welfare of the students and the wellbeing of the school.
“All of us at Shosha are very proud and inspired by Senator Lau’s kindness.”
Recently, Lau stepped in to fully fund the academic needs of a 16-year old student whose left leg had to be amputated due to bone cancer.
The funds would be used to pay for his school fees apart from miscellaneous expenses related to workbooks, stationery and the likes. Lau also pre-paid the student’s food at the school canteen for the year.
When asked to comment on the matter, Shosha president Yong King Sung said ever since he became acquainted with Lau, who is also a past president of the school alumni, the latter had kept the school’s ethos close to his heart.
“We were taught by the La Salle Brothers to always be there for the last, the lost and the least. And Senator Lau being a former student of Sacred Heart has never faltered in this matter.”
Yong hoped that current students would one day emulate the kindness and gratitude shown to the school by former students.
“Through the years, in so many ways, countless former students had returned to help.
“We must all continue to pay-it-forward so that future generations of students will stand to benefit from this time-honoured tradition.
“Just as we are paying it forward today, from the benefits we received while we were in school, we look forward to current students paying it forward when they are able to, in the future.”
A luncheon was hosted for the student and his father to meet their benefactor on Friday (Jan 21).
In a separate matter, Sacred Heart School will be celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, with a gala dinner tentatively scheduled for November.
Former students have been urged to get in touch with Shosha for more details.
