KUCHING: The Association of Kindergarten Operators Sarawak is looking forward to more opportunities to work together with the Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Ministry in the future for the betterment of early childhood development industry in Sarawak.
At the ministry’s 10th anniversary celebration at The Waterfront Hotel recently, the association president Jason Kong extended his heartiest congratulations to the ministry.
He also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah and her team for their constant support and encouragement to the early childhood development industry in Sarawak during these trying times.
“Not only did the ministry help private kindergarten operators strive through the Covid-19 pandemic but also ensured that teaching and learning alternatives for teachers and students were put in place when attending school was not possible.
“Moreover, the ministry continuously worked on the right safety measures to make schools safe working and learning places for our teachers and children,” he said in a recent statement.
Kong pointed out that the Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on early childhood education settings and coaching.
“As the nation moves towards living with the Covid-19 as an endemic, we hope that the lessons learnt from these trying times can help all private kindergarten operators to develop sustainable crisis preparedness, response and recovery capacities that include the protection and wellbeing of our children and educators,” he added.
Kong added that the association also learnt from the ministry that a number of private kindergartens in Sarawak had failed to get the Special Annual Grant 2021 given by the ministry due to incomplete documents submitted during the online application.
“This financial assistance from the ministry has greatly helped private kindergarten operators in Sarawak to cover additional operating expenses caused by the pandemic.
“I would like to urge private kindergarten operators in Sarawak who have applied for this year’s Special Annual Grant but yet to receive the funds to call or drop a message to the association at 012-2077792. We will follow up on your case with the ministry,” he said.
