KUCHING: The opening of the very first Penan’s SeDIDIK kindergarten will be officiated in Apoh/Tutoh, Miri as part of efforts to empower early childhood education of the Penan people.
To make it even more special, the occasion will be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg this coming July 4.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah stated that the kindergarten previously was known as Apoh/Tutoh Penan Community Programme, which is fully funded by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS).
“PETRONAS has allocated over RM2.5 million for this programme, which was distributed in stages to the state government through our ministry in 2015.
“The programme is community based, which is nurturing, guidance which prioritises the involvement of the local community as a whole,” she said.
She said this in her speech during the SeDIDIK 2023 Teacher’s Day celebration at Waterfront Hotel here on Friday.
Under SeDIDIK, Fatimah added that the state government continues to focus on accessibility, equity and quality in pre-school education.
“Rural areas such as Penan resettlements in Marudi (Long Leng, Long Kawa, Long Jenalong, Long Kerangan and Ba’ Selulong) now have been provided with kindergartens just like any other areas.
“That being said, with the access alongside a great quality of teachers, we are hoping that the children’s potential and talent will continue to be developed,” she added.
She then urged all the SeDIDIK educators and its management to continue paying attention to the holistic development of the children.
“Which means, apart from preparing the children for primary one and to master the 3M skills (menulis, mengeja, mengira), the focus will also be on nurturing and developing the talent of the children in sports and curricular, arts, technology and innovation alongside sports.
“This is to ensure that we are producing a holistic and balanced generation, physically, emotionally and spiritually in achieving the madani generation.
“We would like to produce young writers, artists, academic scientists or inventors,” she added.
In the meantime, she explained that at the moment, there are 152 educators with 112 of them having at least a diploma or degree in early childhood education, while 40 of them are currently pursuing it.
“We will continue to encourage the teachers to continue to pursue their studies to highest level possible,” she added.
She also reminded that every teacher should at least have motivation in performing their task alongside the responsibilities to educate, nurture and guide the children.
Also present during the ceremony were general manager of SeDIDIK Sdn Bhd Ayub Dahari alongside other distinguished guests.
