Back2School 2026 Initiative Supports Desa Mentari Children for the New Academic Year

The Sunway Desa Mentari Community Development Programme (SDMCDP) successfully organised the Back2School 2026 initiative at Desa Mentari on 10 January 2026, reaffirming its continued commitment towards supporting educational equity and community upliftment. The programme was officiated by YB Tuan Lee Chean Chung, Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya.

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Now in its third consecutive year, Back2School is an annual community intervention led by Sunway University through SDMCDP, with support from the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation and in collaboration with industry partner ABARO School Shoes as well as Komuniti Madani Desa Mentari.

This year, approximately 1,200 school-going children from Desa Mentari received essential schooling items including school uniforms, shoes, socks, and stationery sets to help them begin the new academic year with confidence and dignity. The initiative has progressively expanded over the years — beginning with the provision of school uniforms and shoes in 2024, followed by the inclusion of socks in 2025, and further strengthening support in 2026 through the addition of stationery sets.

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The programme reflects SDMCDP’s belief that access to education plays a critical role in breaking the cycle of urban poverty and creating pathways for long-term socio-economic mobility. By easing the financial burden on underserved families and ensuring children are adequately prepared for school, the initiative aims to encourage better attendance, improve motivation, and foster a more inclusive learning environment.

Beyond the distribution of school necessities, the initiative also highlights the importance of sustained community collaboration. Community leaders and parents from all 10 residential blocks were actively involved in the preparation and coordination process since November 2025, supporting measurements, mobilisation efforts, and programme logistics. Their involvement underscores SDMCDP’s community-led and co-created approach towards meaningful and sustainable development.

SDMCDP also extends its appreciation to Sunway staff members, student volunteers, partners, and all stakeholders who contributed towards the success of the programme.

As a mission-driven initiative, Back2School2026 reflects Sunway University’s commitment as a 5th Generation University and a Campus with a Conscience — demonstrating how long-term partnerships, collective action, and sustained interventions can create meaningful impact within underserved communities.