KUCHING: The Education Department has been urged to adopt a humanitarian approach in addressing the issue of stateless children and ensure their access to formal education to enable them to contribute to the future of Sarawak.
Dominique Ng, the chairman of Parti Keadilan Rakyat Kuching Division, expressed his deep regret over the situation where thousands of stateless children in Sarawak are unable to attend school due to the nationalities of their parents.
“I appeal to the department to set aside bureaucratic procedures and make every effort to enrol all school-age children at the nearest schools,” he said.
Ng made these remarks while distributing 20 Madani boxes of food aid to the D’Wira Education Centre in Kuching today. He highlighted his concerns regarding stateless children and commended the centre for offering essential educational opportunities to children unable to attend government schools.
“This initiative, in one way or another, challenges the current unfair system that imposes unreasonable restrictions, preventing our innocent children from receiving an education like any other Sarawakian child,” he added.
Ng explained that the D’Wira Education Centre follows the Montessori educational system, providing early childhood education for children aged 4 to 6, as well as schooling for grades 1 to 6. He emphasized that the centre welcomes children from all races and religions, reflecting the multicultural and multiethnic nature of Sarawak.
“Moreover, the education centre offers school bus services to address transportation issues faced by some children. It’s truly admirable that most of the teachers at the centre are volunteers,” Ng praised.
While acknowledging the efforts of the D’Wira Education Centre, Ng urged the Ministry of Education to extend full support to similar welfare non-profit educational organisations in Sarawak. This support should include financial assistance, education materials and aid for teachers.
“Children are innocent and have the right to receive primary and basic education, regardless of their family background. Many stateless children in Sarawak are Sarawakians, born to non-Sarawakian mothers but raised and permanently residing in Sarawak,” Ng explained.
