KUCHING: The Sarawak government will continue to assist schools to address infrastructure challenges said Chief Political Secretary to the Premier, Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
In giving this assurance, he said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has emphasised on the matter of education to ensure the future of Sarawakians.
“I am confident that the government will continue to focus on special education for our children. It is not only these (special education) schools that are facing infrastructure problems, but also other schools.
“With the leadership of the Premier, while schools are under federal responsibility, education remains a matter of high importance for the Sarawak government,” he said
He said this when officiating at SMK Matang Hilir Special Education Integrated Programme (PPKI) appreciation ceremony at a hotel here on Friday night (Jan 2).
The Tupong assemblyman said schools in the state constituency as well as the Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency have been given assistance in the form of grants by the state government.
“In Tupong and in Petra Jaya, we always support the schools through grants channelled to parent-teacher associations (PTAs).
“This also includes grants for special education, meaning there are two separate assistance for a school – one for the PTA and another for PPKI. We will help both,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fazzrudin expressed hope that children with special education needs will remain steadfast when facing challenges to obtain education.
He said success is measured differently for them as they have to learn to manage themselves and no longer rely on their caregivers.
“We want them to improve but success could not only be obtained in schools and to overcome these challenges, it is easier said than done. The responsibility falls on their family and teachers.
“I have enormous respect to the families and teachers for their patience and commitment to ensure their children are educated,” he said.
During the ceremony, Fazzrudin presented certificates to four pupils who completed school as well as to 24 other pupils who showed improvements in curriculum, co-curriculum and character development.