Taylor’s College Fosters Positive Impacts on B40 School Community with “CAREbinet by The Risers”

 Taylor’s College has launched its latest initiative, CAREbinet by The Risers, at SMK Seri Tasik today. Organised by its student engagement arm, The Risers, the initiative aims to fulfil the fundamental needs of students in underserved communities so that they can excel in their academic pursuit, whilst also empowering the school community to foster a culture of sustainable practices to ensure an equitable and inclusive future for all.

The initiative was conceptualised in response to the challenges faced by many families in supporting their children's education, particularly due to the increasing costs of essential goods. Taylor's College recognised the predicament faced by some families, which could affect students' motivation and ability to attend school. To address this issue, the college has committed RM200,000 to support the initiative and foster positive impacts in the community.

CAREbinet by The Risers involves building and distributing 14 cabinets to schools in Kuala Lumpur, which highlights the importance of community involvement in ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for all. 

With the support of esteemed partners like Adabi Consumer Industries, Gardenia Bakeries KL, Jasmine Food Corporation, Kotex Malaysia, Mereka, and Unilever Malaysia to foster nation-building initiatives through community partnerships, these cabinets will be restocked from March to December 2023 with essential items such as bread, rice, soup paste, instant beverages, hand soap, shampoo, deodorant, and sanitary pads. 

"At Taylor's College, we are passionate about ensuring that every student has equal access to academic excellence. Our partners for CAREbinet by The Risers share this vision, believing that no student should be held back by their socioeconomic status. As a purpose-led institution, we are committed to being not only the best in the world but also the best for the world. That's why we strive to support the causes outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on education for all. By empowering students and promoting sustainable practices, we can make a meaningful difference in society and create a brighter future for all," said Josephine Tan, Campus Director of Taylor's College.

Made of plastic waste and used beverage cartons (UBC) and converted into polyAl panel boards, the cabinets were built by the Risers Ambassadors and Taylor’s College students themselves, with guidance and assistance from creative hub Mereka.

In addition to providing essential items, the initiative will also educate the school community on sustainable practices and empower them with skills and tools to foster a culture of sustainability through a series of educational programs such as school talks and workshops. By creating a culture of sustainability, the institution hopes to make a lasting impact and ensure that every student has access to the resources they need to live a thriving life. 

To kick off the initiative, Taylor's College has identified 14 schools to benefit from the first phase. These schools include SMK (P) Air Panas, SMK Bandar Tasik Selatan, SMK Cheras, SMK Cochrane Perkasa, SMK Convent Bukit Nanas, SMK Danau Kota, SMK Dato' Onn, SMK Desa Petaling, SMK Menjalara, SMK Seri Pantai, SMK Seri Permaisuri, SMK Seri Tasik, SMK Tinggi Setapak, and SMK Wangsa Maju Seksyen 2. Moving forward, Taylor's College is committed to expanding its reach to more schools in the future.

The event was graced by En Zainudin Mohamad, Student Development Sector Deputy Director of Jabatan Pendidikan Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur (JPWPKL). "On behalf of JPWPKL, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude to our esteemed strategic partner, Taylor's College, for their unwavering commitment and proactive efforts in spearheading the remarkable "CAREbinet by The Risers" project. This noble initiative serves as a beacon of hope, aimed at uplifting educational institutions, particularly school premises, which play a vital role in shaping our society," he said.

Last year, The Risers collaborated with the Kuala Lumpur Education Department for their ‘Bag to School’ campaign, an initiative aimed at supporting students from B40 families in purchasing school essentials, easing their transition back to school for the new term during the pandemic. The campaign was able to reach out to 1,000 students from the areas of Bangsar, Pudu, Keramat and Sentul.

Taylor’s College established The Risers, a community that aims to foster an environment of conscious thought and action, providing opportunities for students and school leaders to develop leadership skills which can be applied both in their personal and professional lives. To find out more about CAREbinet by The Risers, please visit here.