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Giraffe poo and a day at the zoo for ST School Pocket Money Fund beneficiaries

31 students from Riverside Primary School who are beneficiaries of the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund went to the zoo on Sept 6. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY

SINGAPORE – Nurul Fa’teha Ahmad Fayumi’s eyes lit up when she spotted a pair of giraffes playfully bumping heads with each other.

Her eyes widened with amusement and she burst out laughing as the giraffes turned and one started relieving itself.

It was the 10-year-old’s first time at the Singapore Zoo.

Fa’teha and her three younger siblings were among 31 pupils from Riverside Primary School who enjoyed a memorable day at the zoo on Sept 6 during the September school holidays, thanks to a trip organised by lift company Kone.

The children are beneficiaries of The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.

Teacher Christina Muru, who is the subject head of student management at the school, said: “I’m heartened to see inclusivity in society where we take care of children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Organisations such as Kone go the extra mile to provide them with experiences that would add meaning to their learning.”

She said the zoo is a fantastic learning environment, giving the children “experiences that are difficult to bring into the classroom”.

“Providing them with the opportunity where they get to see, feel, touch and experience really enhances their learning. I think the memories that they take away from this learning journey will stay with them.”

The pupils were visibly thrilled when they got to pet animals such as a ball python during an animal show.

“I feel very happy because the first time I get to come to the zoo is with my siblings and friends,” said Fa’teha, who comes from a family of eight.

Her nine-year-old sister, Nurfaqirah, said: “We’ve never been to the zoo before because it’s too expensive to come together (as a family).”

Fa’teha’s friend, Tan Zhen, 10, chimed in: “I will tell my parents and friends about what I see today!”

They were among six pupils that day who were making their maiden visit to the zoo.

Mr Edward Loy, Kone’s managing director in South-east Asia, said that the company and its staff are deeply committed to making a positive impact on the South-east Asian communities where they operate.

STSPMF is a community project by The Straits Times that provides pocket money to children from low-income families, to help them with school expenses as well as their social and educational development. Since its inception in 2000, the fund has disbursed $100 million to more than 220,000 children and young people.

The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.