Fitting End to a Wonderful Year

After 6 beneficial months, with involvement from 10 schools and the participation of over 300 students, the English Enrichment Programme(EEP) and Project READ were brought to a close for the year 2007 on 15th November. It was a proud moment for EWRF, to have brought together the ten participating schools from both the projects at one venue, Kandiah hall Brickfields, for a terrific closing ceremony cum high tea, thanks to the generous support from Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad, the sponsor of both EEP and READ.

After the arrival of the schools and guests, the event started off with Mr SP Pathi, President of EWRF giving his speech. Mr Pathi was as bold as ever, urging the crowd to look beyond just excellent scores and to look at areas which Tamil school students could excel in. He conveyed EWRF’s gratitude to Carlsberg Malaysia for its financial assistance which has made both EEP and READ possible.

Next, Dato’ Chin Voon Loong, Executive Director of Corporate Affairs, Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad, took stage to give his address. He was quick to congratulate EWRF for its efforts in running EEP and READ. After brief insights about Carlsberg and its community services, Dato’ Chin expressed his good faith and hope in EWRF for a long lasting partnership.

The crowd present was then happy to see a prominent figure of Datuk Siva Subramaniam’s stature to say a few words. SUHAKAM commissioner Datuk Siva, who was the special guest, was encouraging towards EWRF’s measures for the society especially ones concerning Tamil schools. He also noted that EWRF is very precise in identifying key problem areas in society and commended on its transparency, something according to him not many N.G.O’s can flaunt. He gave his praises for both EEP and READ and spoke on the importance of lifelong reading.

Following the speeches, selected participants of Project EEP and READ took centre stage to entertain the crowd. The children did not cease to amuse the crowd with their antics and performances, from story telling to nursery rhymes, the crowd was kept in a joyous mood. After the first half of performances, certificates of achievement were awarded to all the students who took part in EEP and READ.

With many empty stomachs rumbling, the event was paused for everybody to enjoy the many tasty food items which had been prepared. The students were well behaved and their faces were glowing with delight looking at the various food items. Soon after the break, the event resumed with more performances.

EEP and READ would not have been possible without the cooperation of the Headmasters, teachers and facilitators. Hence, EWRF recognized all their efforts by giving out souvenirs to all of them.

At the end of the event, a group photo session was arranged for by members of the media who were present as a way to mark the closing ceremony in a very memorable way. With 2007’s success story, EWRF is determined to make EEP and READ a success in 2008. EWRF is overwhelmed and gives it’s thanks to Carlsberg Malaysia for the support pledged and the support that is to be gained in times to come. Not forgetting Datuk Siva Subramaniam for his words of wisdom and the unshakable belief he has on EWRF.