KUCHING: SJK Chung Hua No. 1 is the first school in the city centre here that offers Special Education Integrated Programme (SEIP) for children with special needs.
Chairman of the Committee of Management of Kuching Chung Hua Primary School No. 1 to No.6 Datuk Jonathan Chai Voon Tok said that four years ago he had brought up the idea to establish a class of special education in at least one SJK Chung Hua in every education district in Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian.
“I was thankful that I had the support of quite a number of headmasters and headmistresses as well as the Board of Management and the headmaster of SJK Chung Hua No. 1 was one such strong supporter of such an idea and vision.
“Thus, today, we are grateful to be here to witness the official launching of the class for special education under SEIP in our community,” he said.
This a fruitful result of prompt approvals of Ministry of Education (MOE) and Sarawak Education Department, and all involved including dedicated teaching staff, he pointed out.
Chai said this during yesterday’s opening ceremony of SEIP for children with special needs that was officiated at by Minister of Women, Early Childhood, Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah at SJK Chung Hua No. 1 here.
He went on to say that the school started the class last year with the maximum intake of seven students. Due to the great demand from the community, the school decided to set up another class this year with the approval and support of Sarawak Education Department.
“At the moment, we have two classes that provide SEIP. We have to accommodate the needs of some parents; hence, we urgently need to increase another two classes,” he said, while adding that he hoped the MOE and the State Education Department will approve their application soon.
It is understood there is a shortage of trained teachers for special education, Chai pointed out but he is hopeful that the two additional special classes are given approval soon.
For the past many years, SJK Chung Hua Serian has been the only school in this region to offer special education for the needy children.
With the keen efforts and persistent encouragement from the Association of the Boards of Management of Aided Chinese Primary Schools in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions, another three SJK Chung Hua schools are offered the SEIP Programme. They include SJK Chung Hua Siburan, SJK Chung Hua Taiton in Bau in addition to SJK Chung Hua No.1 here.
Meanwhile, Association of Board of Management of Aided Chinese Primary Schools Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions deputy president Roger Chan said that SJK Chung Hua No. 1 is still short of RM65,000 for the special needs facilities.
