KUCHING: Sarawak should boldly shift its approach to early childhood education towards experiential learning rather than relying solely on text-based and one-way learning from educators.
Women, Childhood, and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said such a change would create opportunities for children to develop their talents from a young age.
“We identify their talent and develop that talent, so this is what we want for the children of Sarawak — to have a solid foundation. We want them to be confident from a young age.
“We must learn to appreciate what our children are trying to convey. Give that confidence from an early stage by nurturing and developing their talent.
“We want to produce as many Sarawak children whose talents in various fields can be fully developed,” she said at the Utama Toastmasters Club’s 20th Anniversary Dinner here on Sunday (Nov 10).
She added that fostering confident communication among Sarawakian children is essential to fully realising their potential.
Her ministry, through Sedidik in their study, has identified public speaking as one of the key talents that can be highlighted.
To support this goal, Fatimah has encouraged Sedidik to invite Utama Toastmasters Club to participate in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The club members, she noted, possess strong public speaking and communication skills that could guide young learners.
“We need to have a platform to give children opportunities and connect them with the right people for guidance.
“In Sarawak, we want to produce more children who are confident,” she said.
