KUCHING: Sarawak has achieved a 98.71 per cent enrollment rate for Year 1 children in Preschool or Kindergarten for the 2023/2024 session, surpassing the national level of 88.81 per cent.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah outlined the state’s commitment to setting an ambitious target of 100 per cent preschool attendance by 2030 in collaboration with SeDidik Sdn. Bhd., the Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS), the Community Development Department (KEMAS), the National Unity and Integration Department, and the Association for Kindergarten Operators (AKO).
“The formation of a child’s character and personality starts at an early age,” she said after chairing the first Sarawak Early Childhood Development Council Meeting 2024 at the Baitulmakmur II Building today (Jan 19).
A key focus for this year, Fatimah added, will be experience-based learning at Early Childhood Education Institutions (IPAKK) to expose children to real-life situations through outdoor activities and visits.
The Special Annual Grant (GTK) for 2024, amounting to RM14.0 million, will partially fund these experiential learning activities.
“GTK is an initiative to help registered IPAKK operators enhance the quality of care services, guidance, and early childhood education,” she added.
Additionally, the Sarawak Ministry of Women, Children and Community Welfare (KPWK), along with the Early Intervention One Stop Centre (OSEIC), will persist in training teachers, caregivers, and parents aimed to improve their competencies in supporting children with special needs, ensuring they receive the same level of nurture, guidance, and education as their peers.
Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Development, Datuk Rosey Yunus, was also present at the meeting.
