The Penang State Government signed an agreement (MOA) between the Penang Island City Council, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia and Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC).
With this MOA, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia will offer its services to manage the community center at Padang Tembak here.
On hand was Penang State Exco for Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs, Chong Eng, Dato’ Yew Tung Seang, Mayor of MBPP, Dato’ Simon Wong Woon Keong, Deputy CEO of Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia, Dato Khoo Boo Leong (Tzu Chi Commissioner Northern Region) and Madam Ong Bee Leng, CEO of PWDC.
In her address, Chong Eng described the agreement as a meaningful effort as a tripartite partnership between the State Government, local council MBPP and Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia to manage the community center in Padang Tembak.
“Tzu Chi will also operate the State’s Pusat Jagaan Kanak-Kanak (PJKK) Padang Tembak, the Digital Library as well as
sporting programmes at the Dewan Serbaguna. The contract is valid for three years, starting from 1st Jan 2022 to 31st Dec 2024.
“Through this strategic partnership, we will be able to provide value added services to our community, by ensuring a holistic approach is adopted for the benefit of our children, youths and also the adults at Padang Tembak.
“The objective of this project is to encourage inclusiveness, so that no one is left behind, and cultivate a sense of contribution to the community. It is our aim is to provide holistic education support for the students and children
which will in return help shape independent and civic-conscious characters from a young age,” added Chong Eng.
She also added that the initiative also hopes to increase the number of women and men, the old and the young, to participate in activities together in the area – creating a harmonious community living and families free from
domestic violence, this is indeed, in-line with the Penang State’s Safe Family Policy in promoting the element of safe family environment.
“This will provide a safe and comfortable space for the children after school. Penang State Government remains committed to ensure the children’s development is of top priority and thus will continue to financially sponsor the operation of this PJKK.
“Currently, Tzu Chi is offering tuition programmes for primary and secondary school students as well as the Foster Parents Project within the Padang Tembak vicinity,” she added.
In the meantime, Tzu Chi was established in May 1966 as a charity foundation with just 30 women, saving 50 cents everyday to buy food and do charity work for the poor.
Fast forward to today, Tzu Chi has achieved numerous milestones and have touched many lives through their noble cause.
The MBPP will be on board to offer space and opportunity for the children, youth and adults of Padang Tembak the usage of the digital library and the Dewan SerbaGuna. The digital library will be equipped to allow users to access the internet and a place for our children to study.
The council has also pledged to contribute to the rental cost and utilities for this entire project. They will also assist in ensuring the toilets, lifts and corridors are constantly in working conditions.