KUCHING: The Ministry of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing (KPWK) through Sedidik aims for 100 per cent of its teachers to have at least a Diploma in Early Childhood Education by 2025.
Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that through the efforts being carried out, she is confident that the goal would be achieved.
“Currently, five Tadika Sedidik Penan students are pursuing a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and expected to complete their studies in the first quarter of 2025.
“The five students had started their tertiary studies in September 2022, last year on a part-time basis.
“Therefore, by 2025 these students will complete their studies and receive a diploma certificate,” she said at a press conference after officiating at the launch of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Diploma of Early Childhood Education on Monday (June 19).
There are now five Tadika SeDidik Penan childhood education centres under the Community Education Programme of the Apoh/Tutoh, Miri Area.
These are at Long Leng, Ba’ Sululong, Long Kerang, Long Kawa and Long Jenalong.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to declare open the SeDidik Penan Kindergarten in the Apoh/Tutoh Miri area on July 4.
In this regard, Fatimah informed that the construction cost of the kindergarten building was implemented through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) through her ministry with funds amounting to approximately RM2.7 million.
“After being taken over by SeDidik, we financed the operating costs, teachers’ salaries and so on,” she explained.
In the meantime, she informed Tadika SeDidik Penan is also ready to offer community-based education.
“We can offer skill-based classes such as handicrafts because they are very good in this field. With additional skills, they can also elevate the product to a better level.
“In addition, we can also provide education related to health, hygiene, agriculture and much more in the community,” she explained.
