KUCHING: The Ministry of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development is looking into developing digital literacy among the destitute undergoing rehabilitation at Desa Bina Diri (DBD) Kuching.
During her visit to DBD Kuching today (March 23) its minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said it was important for them to have digital literacy in their daily lives to ease their reintegration into mainstream society.
“We need to think about this. We can teach them basic digital literacy skills such as how to operate mobile phones as they are very important nowadays in our everyday lives. They can used their digital literacy after their rehabilitation,” she explained.
She pointed out that one of the main benefits of having digital literacy is the ability to utilise online platforms after reintegration for various purposes, including earning a living.
“Once they have the skills, they can sell their products or services online,” she said.
On general literacy, Fatimah also suggested the use of phonetics methods to teach the homeless.
“In terms of giving literacy training, we need to use methods that are not for small children, but must be age-appropriate.
“I suggest using phonetics to teach reading and writing skills for those in DBD Kuching. It must be age and ability-appropriate,” she said.
She argued that the main objective is for the homeless to be able to read and raise their self-worth, self-esteem and have positive views on themselves through having acquired skills.
“We have to move with the times. We provide training to acquire skills that can be used to gain independence when reintegrating into the community,” added Fatimah.
DBD Kuching is a rehabilitation facility providing care and protection service, education and health assessment. The programme helps to rehabilitate and train the homeless to re-adapt and reintegrate into society.
