BY NURA V LORNA & VIVYNNA ANN CHABU
KUCHING: The adequate nurturing of children’s talents in foster homes overseen by the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) is vital for effectively shaping their identities.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said besides identifying talents, such endeavours would empower these children to become more self-sufficient in the future.
“When talking about the economy, we need to explore their talents so that they can become contributing members of society — not just as recipients of assistance but also as givers.
“When we can hone the talents and skills of these children, God willing, they will be able to stand on their own two feet.
“After that, it depends on their interests but what’s important is that we provide opportunities,” she said.
Nancy said this when attending the ‘Tautan Kasih Ramadan’ event at Rumah Kanak-Kanak Toh Puan Hajah Norkiah here today.
Ramadan cheer further enveloped the atmosphere as the event brought warmth to 136 individuals from Rumah Kanak-Kanak Toh Puan Hajah Norkiah Kuching and Rumah Seri Kenangan Kuching.
Nancy asserted that the strategic collaboration of all parties in enlivening the programme reflected their ministry’s concern for prioritising the welfare of children and the elderly.
She assured that her ministry was highly attentive to the needs of vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, particularly those under the care and protection services provided by JKM institutions.
As such, she urged more strategic partners to support and enhance programmes for institutions under Sarawak JKM in the future.
“Contributions or assistance are not limited solely to financial aspects. If we can spare some time, energy, skills, mental support or even spiritual support, we can bring happiness to the children and parents in both of these institutions.
“The cooperation of various parties, be it individuals, private sector, non-governmental organisations, (or) corporate sector is very crucial in us achieving the country’s aspirations, especially in terms of social and welfare.
“Various programmes need to be organised and implemented to allow residents to interact and ultimately enjoy their rights as individuals who deserve protection and affection in line with the National Child Policy, the Child Act 2001, and the National Policy on Older Persons,” she added.
“The cooperation of various parties, be it individuals, private sector, non-governmental organisations, (or) corporate sector is very crucial in us achieving the country’s aspirations, especially in terms of social and welfare,” she said.
She added that by dedicating a little time and energy and providing mental as well as spiritual support, one can bring happiness to the children and residents in both of these institutions.
During the event, Nancy, who is also Santubong MP, also took the time to distribute ‘bubur lambuk’ (savoury porridge) and ‘bubur pedas’ (another type of porridge) to attendees and the media.
Also present were State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba Sarawak) Director Datuk Khirudin Drahman who is the chairman of the board of visitors of Rumah Kanak-Kanak Toh Puan Hajah Norkiah, Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development secretary general Dr Maziah Che Yusoff, and Sarawak JKM director Adana Jed, among others.
