KUCHING: The State Government has recently approved state funding for the relocation and rebuilding of two schools namely SK Ulu Segan in Bintulu Division and SK Maludam in Betong Division amounting to RM40.1 million and RM48.2 million respectively.
This was unveiled by the State Minister of Education, Science, and Technological Research, Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong during his winding up speech in 18th DUN Sitting at State Legislative Assembly (DUN), Petra Jaya, yesterday.
These two schools are critically dilapidated and prone to frequent flooding. The actual cost will depend on the tender price.
“Under the Rural Transformation Initiatives (RTI), a total of 67 schools are being repaired and upgraded with a budget of RM21 million. The works on some of these schools have commenced and are expected to be completed in 2018 and 2019,
“In addition to this, the State Government had also approved a RM4.48 million grant to the Boards of Management of four Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) and 10 Mission schools,
“These are among some of the States’ initiatives to help facilitate the development of schools in the State,” he said.
On the efforts towards improving schools’ performance, Manyin said the ministry in collaboration with State Education Department (JPNS) have embarked on various programmes.
“Headmasters Conferences were held in Miri (Northern zone with 340 participants), Sibu (Central zone with 300 participants) and Kuching (Southern zone with 522 participants). The objective of the conference was to enhance schools’ leadership and strategic management capabilities of headmasters, at a total cost of RM1.5 million,
“A workshop on Enhancing Science Teachers in Learning and Facilitation (Pemantapan Pembe/ajaran dan Pemudahcaraan Guru Sains) was also held to improve the quality of teaching using new teaching approaches and technology. It was conducted in collaboration with Pertubuhan Guru Sains Malaysia attracting participants comprising 50 teachers).
“Meanwhile, Sarawak English Language Education Symposium (SELES), the first of its kind was held in October 2017 with 1,000 participants. The second symposium to be held in August 2018 is expecting 1,000 participants with the total cost of RM2 million,” he said.
Also advocated were Speak English Everywhere, Everyday (SEED) which was launched in Bau on 27 October 2017 and The English Language Proficiency Programme at SK Nanga Ajau in Betong on 10 March 2018.
“Sarawak English Language Proficiency Initiatives (SELPI) was launched by Chief Minister in Serian District on 17 March 2018,
“Scriptwriting and Drama Workshop which was held in April 2018 and subsequently the Drama Competition will be held on 19th July 2018 are to encourage the use of English language amongst students in a creative and fun manner,
“The ministry will encourage schools to engage with parents to ensure greater participation of parents in their children’s education. This will reduce disciplinary issues amongst students and at the same time will improve the academic performance of students. Students’ activities after school have significant impact on their academic performance as well as character development,” he pointed out.
