27 Nov 2023
9TH NOVEMBER 2023, KOTA MARUDU –
In a heart-warming celebration of community and gratitude, Majora Education Foundation
(MEF) hosted its first ever, sit-down Thanksgiving Dinner for a total of 300 students and
their families, respected teachers and program coordinators from Kota Marudu district.
The foundation, in our commitment to providing long-term and sustainable financial aid to
our sponsored students, held this special year-end event to celebrate and honour the work and
achievement of our various partners and our students under the G-Effort program.
Held at Dewan Komunity Kota Marudu, the dinner was a vibrant affair, bringing together all
sponsored students and their families who have been under the foundation’s care since 2017.
Featuring Adam Shamil, Sabah’s beloved and renown entertainer as the night’s emcee, the
evening unfolded with a series of video presentations, providing a glimpse into the
foundation’s objectives and flagship programs.
Students from different schools in the district took centre stage with song and dance
performances, followed by a lucky draw event to spread joy and surprises, and heartfelt
speeches were given by head coordinator, Mr Anthony Saimin and Ms Rachel Ongkili who
represented the Board of Trustees.
The pinnacle of the night, however, was the special award ceremony, where academic
excellence was acknowledged for sponsored students from Batches 1 and 2 who achieved
good academic results at school. As an incentive to perform well in school, from this year
onwards, students are awarded a specific amount for every A and B they have achieved in
their final exams of the previous year. This is to encourage students to aim higher and not just
settle for passing but to pursue excellence in their academic journey.
The foundation also took a moment to honour the program coordinators who play a pivotal
role in recruiting students for sponsorship. These coordinators, who also function as our local
connection to the students and their schools for transmission of information and feedback
were recognised for their crucial contributions to the foundation’s mission. Furthering our
commitment to partnership and collaboration, MEF conducted an appointment ceremony and
presented them to the newly elected program coordinators who will partner with the
foundation for 5 years from 2023 – 2027.
The event concluded on a high note, everyone left with full bellies, smiling faces and a
deeper sense of connection to this growing community fostered by the foundation and our
partners. We look forward to many more memorable, fun-filled and meaningful gatherings
like this in the future!