THE One-Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC) Sarawak has witnessed the graduation of 73 children from its intervention programme and their seamless transition to mainstream education.
It has thus emerged as a beacon of success since its inception in October 2020.
Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the centre has registered a total of 476 children in OSEIC Sarawak Matang and 40 in OSEIC Sarawak Dalat as of October 31 this year.
She said the ministry’s dedication transcended borders with outreach programmes in Kuching, Mukah, Dalat, and Oya, aimed at raising awareness and knowledge about caring for special needs children.
“The impact of the OSEIC programme extends not only locally but also resonates with organisations and agencies beyond Sarawak,” she said in her ministerial winding-up speech during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here on Tuesday (Nov 28).
Fatimah said the Save For Golden Future programme initiated by SeDidik in May has also raised awareness among parents and children about the importance of saving, with children’s savings increasing from RM62,644 in June involving 2,487 children in 91 Early Childhood Education Institution (IPAKK) centres to RM226,015 on October 31 involving 2,587 children in 100 IPAKK centres.
“This programme aligns with the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) initiative, ensuring every Sarawakian child has savings upon reaching 18 years of age.
“From its implementation on January 1, 2019, until October 31 this year, a total of 104,804 Sarawakian children have EFS accounts, involving expenditures of RM104.8 million,” she added.
She added that a total of 1,848 children have benefited from the Subsidy for Childcare and Early Childhood Education Fee, amounting to RM1.75 million in expenditure.
“This initiative will continue in 2024 with an allocation of RM2.5 million, estimated to benefit 2,500 children.
“Apart from alleviating the financial burden of parents, this initiative also aims to encourage parents to enrol their children in registered early childhood education institutions for the welfare and safety of the children,” Fatimah explained.
