SIBU: The Sibu Child Welfare Team (SCWT) and Sibu Welfare Department (SWD) recently joined forces to launch the Love Visit Programme, an initiative aimed at demonstrating care and concern for children who have been released from Sekolah Tunas Bakti or Sekolah Henry Gurney, as well as children who are on good behaviour bonds and taking part in interactive workshops held by the Welfare Department.
Melinda Wong Kwong Hung, the chairperson of SCWT, explained that the primary objective of this programme, which is being implemented for the first time, is to not only show support to these children but also to assess their current living conditions.
“Through this programme, we have visited children residing in various areas such as Sungai Pak, Sibu Jaya, Jalan Alan, Jalan Tiong Hua, Jalan Laichee, Jalan Punai, Bilik Sewa My Home, and Jalan Seng Ling. We were disheartened to discover that eight occupants are living in an appalling house without water and electricity.
The living environment is extremely poor, infested with mosquitoes, and surrounded by scattered rubbish,” Wong expressed.
During the visits, the children and their families exhibited great joy and happiness upon receiving essential daily necessities such as rice, eggs, biscuits, milk, salt, canned food, and cooking oil.
Additionally, the team provided guidance and assistance for applying to enter Sarawak Skills, enabling them to acquire valuable skills for future employment.
“We sincerely hope that these children will be able to turn over a new leaf and strive for a brighter future,” Wong enthused.
In addition to Wong, the visit programme included the participation of SCWT’s secretary, Normaseni Mohammad Harun, SWD’s Psychology officer, Ling Huong Huong, SWD’s Moral officers, Julia Nuai Gawing, and Muhamad Raiszan Raduan, as well as SCWT’s committee member, Saing Embun.
Speaking about SCWT, Wong mentioned that it was established by the National Council For Children or Majlis Kebangsaan Bagi Kanak-Kanak (MKKK) with the aim of coordinating local services for families and children involved in criminal activities, children beyond control, and those exposed to moral risks.
Wong further explained that SCWT was established as per the federal government gazette, Child Act (Amendment) 2016, where the chairman and six members are appointed by the Minister of Community, Family, and Women Development.
“The target group for SCWT’s services includes children under 18 years old. Among the responsibilities of SCWT is advocacy, which involves encouraging community engagement in child welfare,” Wong added.
