KUCHING: Sarawak is set to continue incorporating sign language into its SeDidik kindergartens as part of efforts to nurture good character traits such as empathy and respect among young children.
Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the initiative will continue, even though current statistics show no deaf children are currently enrolled in SeDidik kindergartens.
“It is my hope that children who go through SeDidik kindergartens will be able to produce children who are empathic, understand people with different abilities, who know basic sign language and are able to communicate with the deaf in their society,” she said.
She said this during the launching of the Understanding Deaf Culture: Version 2 Book at the Sarawak Society for the Deaf (SSD) Building here last night (Nov 30).
Fatimah explained that the ministry collaborates with teachers for the deaf to train SeDidik educators, who then impart the knowledge to their students.
“So far, 152 out of 174 teachers, or 87.35 per cent, have completed sign language training. We aim to have 100 per cent of our teachers equipped with this skill,” she said.
The initiative has already reached 2,216 children aged 4 to 6, who have learned basic sign language.
“I am also very proud to say that if there is big event, I will push my way to tell the organisers, please let our SeDidik children sing the national anthem, ‘Negaraku’ and Sarawak anthem, ‘Ibu Pertiwiku’ in sign language in front of everybody,” she said.
On a related note, she said the state will also push for greater inclusivity by advocating community support and involvement of the deaf in social activities and policymaking.
“When we talk about inclusivity, we should always bear in mind that it is also important to include the deaf and other individuals with other disabilities in policy making.
“In that way, the needs of individuals with disabilities can be included in terms of facilities, infrastructure that is suitable for the disadvantaged and the needy or suitable for the deaf community,” she said.