KUCHING: An association of retired teachers here, Persatuan Pesara Guru Sarawak (PPGS), which was established in February last year, held its first ever convention at Penview Hotel yesterday.
Officiating at the closing ceremony of the day-long convention was by Agriculture Assistant Minister Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail.
“Our purpose is to foster closer bonds between the teachers while encouraging the sharing of knowledge among members,” said PPGS president Datuk Abdillah Adam.
“In this gathering today, we can hear comments and ideas from PPGS members with regards to what we should do,” he commented.
“Thankfully with the support of government bodies, we have some funding to progress with,” said Abdillah, adding that PPGS hopes to contribute to the development of education in the state.
According to the PPGS president, there is an estimated 3,500 retired teachers in Sarawak.
He said those who are interested but have yet to sign up can apply online or via the submission of a form which can be obtained from PPGS, or by printing it themselves off the website.
Abdillah hoped that PPGS will be able to increase their membership and host another convention next year, with more members.
“It is a good step to have this convention for the first time as members can meet and brainstorm,” Dr Abdul Rahman said in his speech, applauding PPGS’ initiative to bring retired teachers together.
He encouraged PPGS members to support the Highly Immersive Programme (HIP to improve the standard of English among students.
Dr Abdul Rahman hoped that retired teachers would make use of the many opportunities offered by the ministries such as by getting involved in small-scale agriculture or opening eateries.
These efforts would keep their minds and bodies active as well as generate some income for the retirees, he said.
“Gardening is a universally enjoyed activity and it can also produce food,” he added.
At the convention, Dr Abdul Rahman made a donation of RM10,000 to PPGS.
