PROPERTY giant Eco World Development Group Bhd has always believed that education is one of the best forms of investments.

Through its charitable arm Eco World Foundation, Eco World has since ‘adopted’ more than 3,000 underprivileged students, supporting them under its student aid programme (SAP).

The recipients from Klang Valley, Penang, Kedah, Perlis, Pahang and Sabah range from primary school pupils right up to those pursuing tertiary education.

Eco World Foundation chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said that besides providing basics such as school uniforms and bags as well as paying for tuition and even meals in schools, the SAP also provided moral support to the students and their families.

“Our purpose is to help needy students of all races,” Lee said in an interview.

He explained that the foundation did not offer cash but it would ensure the recipients’ basic education needs are met.

The expenses are capped between RM1,100 to RM1,300 (primary school), RM1,300 to RM1,400 (secondary school) and RM5,000 to RM15,000 (university).

The programme’s annual expense is RM5mil.

Lee added that the SAP also monitored the academic performance of ‘adopted’ students.

“To run this programme, we need a lot of volunteers as we have only five staff members now.

“I’ve taken the initiative to set up the Eco World Foundation Volun-teers Club consisting of members from Eco World Development Group Bhd.

“The first one was launched in Klang Valley in May and Iskandar (Johor) in June. The northern one will start in Penang after Hari Raya,” he said.

The foundation will actively engage the ‘adopted’ students and their parents through activities like UPSR motivation and English language camps.

Excellence awards will be given to motivate the students and home visits will be carried out.

“After the students graduate, they are free to look for any job or do what they want.

“There are no string attached as we are sincere in helping them,” said Lee.