BANGKA BARAT – Continuing its initiative to provide nutritious meals for school children in various regions, PT Timah hosted a healthy meal program for students at the Special Needs School (SLB) in Mentok, Bangka Barat Regency, on Thursday (12/12/2024).
The students at SLB Mentok were enthusiastic about participating in this program, organized by PT Timah in collaboration with the Bangka Barat Regency Government.
The event was attended by the Acting Head of the Bangka Barat Health Department Hengki, PT Timah's Division Head of Processing and Refinery Sofian Simangunsong, and the Acting Subdistrict Head of Mentok Rini Indra Sari.
Nadifa Anayafitama, a first-year middle school student at SLB Mentok, expressed her joy. "I’m so happy to receive nutritious meals from PT Timah. Thank you, PT Timah," said the visually impaired student.
Similarly, Putri, a third-year high school student at SLB Negeri Mentok, shared her gratitude, stating that PT Timah often supports their school.
"Thank you, PT Timah, for frequently visiting our school and providing nutritious meals today. We love PT Timah," she expressed through sign language.
SLB Negeri Mentok Principal, Arif Jananto, acknowledged PT Timah's consistent care for the students. "We are very grateful to PT Timah for its continuous support of our SLB Mentok students. Meeting nutritional needs is crucial for our children. The nutritious meal program is incredibly beneficial for their growth and development," he said.
Arif hopes the program will continue, helping meet the nutritional needs of the students and supporting their optimal development.
Acting Head of the Education, Youth, and Sports Department of Bangka Barat, Hengki Wibawa, also praised PT Timah for supporting the national program.
"Today is a special day as the Bangka Barat Regency Government collaborates with PT Timah to implement the Nutritious Meals Program, which is part of a pilot project planned for nationwide implementation in 2025 to prepare the Golden Generation 2045," Hengki explained.
He emphasized that the program aims to ensure students’ nutritional needs are met so they can grow healthily and concentrate better on their studies.
PT Timah’s Department Head of Corporate Communication, Anggi Siahaan, highlighted the company's efforts to implement the nutritious meal program in several schools across Bangka, Bangka Tengah, and Belitung Timur.
"This program also targets students in Special Needs Schools (SLB), reflecting our commitment to supporting inclusive education and helping meet children's nutritional needs," Anggi said.
Anggi added that PT Timah consistently supports education for students with disabilities, including through initiatives like the entrepreneur school for differently-abled students at SLB Negeri Mentok.
"We hope this program benefits the students, especially those with disabilities, as the company remains committed to supporting inclusive education," she stated.
Anggi further noted that PT Timah actively contributes to the education sector within its operational areas through various programs, including scholarships, school infrastructure improvements, and child nutrition initiatives.
This program also aligns with government efforts to tackle stunting, aiming to create the Golden Generation 2045. (*)
