KUCHING: The Ministry of Women, Child and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) has recommended that all kindergartens in Sarawak teach the basics of sign language as an early exposure to children.
Its minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that this effort had started in SeDidik and would be extended to all other kindergartens this year.
“Basic exposure of sign language to children, especially those five to six years old is very important, so that they can speak or communicate with deaf (hearing impaired) individuals.
“Therefore, with that, it will also be able to establish a two-way communication between normal people and the group concerned (deaf),” she said told a press conference after attending the Sarawak Early Childhood Development Council (MPAKS) meeting at Baitulmakmur II Building today.
Fatimah, who is also MPAKS charman, added that those who could not hear and speak also wanted to communicate.
“They have also shown us that they want to communicate with normal people, therefore it is important for us to have the ability to communicate through sign language.
“So, we in the ministry have decided to introduce the basics of sign language in the early stages of children, such as how to say thank you, giving applause and others,” she said.
She added that experts were also involved in the teaching of the basics of sign language.
On another note, Fatimah said her ministry would continue to strengthen early childhood education in Sarawak with various efforts.
Meanwhile, the meeting also witnessed the presentation of a letter of appointment to MPAKS members for the 2022-2024 session.
Also present was Assistant Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Development I (Women and Childhood Development) Datuk Rosey Yunus.
