By ALLAN JAY & LEE SHAW WEI
KUCHING: The latest updates on the implementation of the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) and the Annual Special Grant (ASG) for Early Childhood and Care Institutions were revealed by Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Ministry yesterday.
Its minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said this was one of the outcomes of the second annual meeting of the Early Childhood Department yesterday at Baitulmakmur Building, Petra Jaya.
“As of June 20, there are a total of 9,767 babies in the entire state registered with the EFS, which is 73.87% out of the 13,221 ‘Status K’ babies,” she said.
All Sarawakian babies born on January 1, 2019 and beyond will be eligible for the EFS so long as they have valid birth certificates from the National Registration Department (NRD) Sarawak. Registration can be done at 52 NRD centres in the state.
The first batch of 389 babies in 12 different places, namely, Kuching, Serian, Simunjan, Lundu, Sarikei, Dalat, Sri Aman, Betong, Bau, Bekenu, Miri and Balingian received their FPS documents.
She then addressed the AGS programme worth RM5,000 which will be given to the 3,031 Early Childhood and Care institutions that have registered for it.
“The grants will be given out in June. As of today, 25 institutions have received them,” she said.
According to her the grants should not be used to repair or upgrade the premises of the institutions. They should be for the following objectives: balanced meals for physical development and growth, fun learning and active interactive activity and purchasing learning materials, parental involvement in children’s education and learning and lastly the professional development of teachers through lifelong learning.
Fatimah also announced the establishment of a One-Stop Centre for Early Intervention (OSCEI) for disabled children where they can be diagnosed as early as possible to improve the success rate of rehabilitation from three main disabilities, namely, autism, Down Syndrome and slow learning.
The cost is RM4 million and it is done through a strategic partnership with Petronas as its corporate social responsibility (CSR) project.
“Hopefully the centre would become operational next year,” she said.
Regarding Randau Early Childhood Development 2019 (themed “Early Childhood Education: Inclusivity the Way Forward”) which will be held this coming September 13 to 15 at Pullman Hotel, Kuching, she said it will include presentations and workshops whose objectives are to instill understanding and commitment among caretakers in order for them to be ready and eligible to serve the children.
Yesterday, Fatimah told reporters that the Head of State Tun Pehin Seri Abdul Taib Mahmud is expected to officiate at the ceremony on September 14. Some 500 caretakers are expected to take part in the dialogue.
She also announced that the second edition of Sarawak Kids Got Talent 2019 (SKGT) will be held on this coming October 17. Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate at the show on the day itself.
“The contest for children aged six and below, has five categories — public speaking on moral values, dance, singing, drawing and colouring (themed ‘Love Sarawak’) and special talent,” she said.
