The state government will spend RM5.8 million on building 11 new Community Development Department (Kemas) preschools to replace the ones in dilapidated condition.

They are among the 109 preschools found to be in need of replacement by Sarawak Early Childhood Development Council (MPAKS) .

Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said she had put up a proposal to the federal government to assist in rebuilding the remaining preschools.

“Construction works will begin soon and are expected to complete by end of this year,” she told reporters at a press conference after chairing an MPAKS meeting yesterday.

The pre-schools are Tabika Rh Serit Kapit, Tabika Rh Pillai Kapit, Tabika Rh Tunjang Sg Lelabi, Tabika Selangan Sarikei, Tabika Rh Jamba Kapit, Tabika Kpg Sagah Petra Jaya, Tabika Sg Malikat Marudi, Tabika Manok Machal Kapit, Tabika Kpg Ampungan PCK Borneo, Tabika Kpg Manting Lawas and Tabika Kpg Sg Tapang Stampin which have an enrolment of eight to 34 children each.

MPAKS will be focusing on five aspects this year under their Strategic Plan 2018, including professional development for practitioners (teachers).

The council will also conduct research and development to identify any weak points in early childhood education in Sarawak, and find the best solution.

Fatimah also said MPAKS aimed to increase the quality of support for educators and operators so as to create quality preschools.

“Quality teachers and quality preschools will result in quality students,” she pointed out.

Also present were Women, Family and Early Childhood Education Assistant Minister Rosey Yunus, the ministry’s permanent secretary Dr Saadiah Abdul Samat and Women and Family Department director Noriah Ahmad.

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by BORNEO POST

If you have any stories or news that you would like to share with the global online community, please feel free to share it with us by contacting us directly at [email protected]