Bangkok--Apr 20--Aziam Burson-Marsteller
The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with Big C Supercenter PCL and Attack, launched the “Back to School” program, entitled “Donation of School Uniforms and Books for Schools in Rural Areas.” This innovative program is designed to encourage donations of school uniforms and textbooks for underprivileged children in poor areas and remote schools.
Mrs. Charuaypon Toranin, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, said after presiding over the opening of the program, “The ‘Back to School’ program marks a significant collaborative effort between the public and private sectors, and is intended to help deprived students obtain textbooks for their studies and uniforms to wear to school. This important initiative reflects the commitment to educational reform and an effort to unify the forces of all agencies to encourage Thai students to attain more knowledge and capabilities in order to live more effectively in today’s rapidly changing world.”
The Ministry of Education, through the Office of Non-formal Education Commission (ONFEC), has joined forces with Big C Supercenter PCL, Big C Foundation and Kao Commercial (Thailand) Co., Ltd. to launch the Back to School program that is aimed at encouraging the public to donate school uniforms and textbooks to students in rural areas and remote schools.
Mrs. Boonsri Suthamanuwat, Director of the BIG C Foundation said, “The Big C Foundation and Big C Supercenter has implemented the Back to School program every year since 2003. The initiative, which is held for the third consecutive year, is part of our commitment to provide Thai children in poor areas with an opportunity to gain more educational opportunities. This year, in addition to our remarkable collaboration with ONFEC and Attack, Big C has invited Miss Cholnipa Saengtong or Nong Mild, the famous young singer of the Dek Doi Jai Dee song to represent the program to encourage the donations of student uniforms and textbooks for other children of her same age, who live in remote areas nationwide.”
“We believe that the quality of society forms an integral and solid basis of national development. Youth education is an important contributor to building a strong foundation in society. We expect that this program will provide comprehensive education programs to cover all deprived children in poor areas, prompting them to become more mature and high quality citizens in the future. We hope that this project will receive a favorable response from the public who are eager to make donations,” added the Director of the BIG C Foundation.
Mr. Urith Boonmark, Director of ONFEC said, “ONFEC, through its offices nationwide, will work closely with BIG C in serving as a medium of receiving donated school uniforms and textbooks that will be delivered to students and remote schools. This activity is designed to provide more and better education from textbooks as well as clothing for students. Many families and students in remote areas are more aware of developing their education but they lack the basic necessities. This program is a major driver that fosters the educational development for students and schools in poor areas.”
Miss Pariyanuch Na Taguatung, Director of Marketing and PR Marketing of Big C Supercenter PCL said, ”The “Back to School” program was very successful in 2004 as it was well supported by Kao Commercial (Thailand) Co., Ltd. which donated the 200,000 Baht fund through the Big C Foundation. This year, Kao Commercial will give a 100g Attack detergent pack valued at 12 Baht to everyone who donates school uniforms and textbooks at any of the 41 Big C Supercenter outlets nationwide. The company will also donate 1 Baht to the program via the Big C Foundation for every purchase of any size of Attack products.
The Back to School program invites all people to donate used student uniforms and textbooks or buy new items at all Big C outlets to donate to the program. Donations can be made at donation centers in all Big C outlets today until May 15, 2005. To welcome the new school year, customers can purchase a comprehensive range of quality educational stationery and school uniforms at reasonable prices today at all Big C outlets nationwide.
For further information, please contact:
Satida Sritunyathorn or Nattakarn Chamsuwanwong
Aziam Burson-Marsteller
Tel. 0 2252 9871 End.