KUCHING: A grand celebration was held to celebrate 21 students who successfully completed their kindergarten education at Tadika dan Taska Goodland.
The Goodland 22nd Graduation Ceremony took place at the Borneo Cultures Museum today and was officiated by the State Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA Sarawak) Datuk Khirudin Drahman.
The graduation ceremony featured several performances showcased by the children and their teachers.
Eight children participated in the 3R Fancy Costume Competition, in which their parents created masterpieces using recycled materials for the fashion show.
Principal Ruth Chan said the kindergarten and preschool advocate an inclusion programme to nurture children with different learning abilities and potentials.
“As an inclusion programme, our teachers are like gardeners, not carpenters. We do not carve people into the shape that we or their parents want but nurture them and wait for them to blossom.
“I always remind my teachers that all children are teachable; we just have to learn how to teach them.
With the right attitude from parents, coupled with our hard work, we believe that we can influence the children and harness their potential.
“At Goodland, we accept and appreciate these children. We try our best to facilitate all children and never underestimate their abilities,” she said.
Chan pointed out that Goodland has been collaborating with BOMBA Sarawak for the past 20 years in educating children about fire safety.
“I would like to thank Khirudin and his team for setting up the Fire Safety Club (3K Club) as well as their unwavering support for us,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation and gratitude to parents for their commitment and support in ensuring their children’s progress in education.
Meanwhile, Khirudin said his department would continue to carry out efforts to educate children on fire safety, as it is crucial for their future undertakings.
He said it is important to instill good and positive values in children from a young age, as it will shape them as they grow up.
“Every president, king, emperor, and statesman used to be a crying baby. That is why children need to be given positive elements in their upbringing because it will enable them to grow into good leaders who will look after the world.
“People have asked me, ‘What is so special about helping kindergarten and preschool children?’ For me, teaching children to be safe will influence their future undertakings, and I see it as a responsibility to shoulder, even though they are not my children,” he said.
Khirudin pointed out that fire never selects its victim; thus, awareness and knowledge play a crucial role in ensuring everyone’s safety.
“Throughout my career, I have been involved in cases where children are fire victims, and this breaks my heart. The department’s education and awareness programs are very comprehensive, catering to people of all ages.
“We want to make sure that the public is equipped with the right knowledge and skills when it comes to fire safety,” he said.
