KUCHING: An allocation of RM5,000 each will be disbursed to all registered preschools in the state to assist them in their teaching and learning modules or to prepare a balanced meal plan for their students.
Welfare, Community, Well-being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said this was part of the Sarawak government’s effort to provide a support system for quality early childhood education and care.
“Preschools are important because they are like building blocks. Quality human capital starts from quality preschools,” said Fatimah in conjunction with the first day of a new school year in Sarawak yesterday.
The forms to acquire the RM5,000 grants, she added, would be sent out to every registered preschool in the state soon.
“Preschools are where young children further develop their vocabulary and language skills besides their counting and numeracy skills.
“A child will also be able to interact and improve his/her social skills outside the family circle,” said Fatimah who is also Dalat state assemblywoman.
Numerous researches, she added, had also shown the positive impact of preschool education on students in the later part of their schooling years such as in primary and secondary school as well as during their working lives.
Although preschool education is not compulsory for Malaysians, Fatimah urged parents to send their children to either nurseries (for those below four years old) or kindergartens (for those between five and six years old) as it would benefit them in the long run.
She also reminded preschool teachers to focus on fun learning through activities and include all the modules suggested by the state education department.
Fatimah added that a total of 13 preschool conventions and weekend workshops were held for preschool teachers in Sarawak last year as part of the efforts to produce better teachers. – Henry Tony
