Fatimah: S’wak steadfast in inculcating inclusive practices starting from preschool

KUCHING (Nov 19): The Sarawak government, in its commitment to providing access to equitable quality early childhood care and education for all Sarawakian children, is steadfast in inculcating inclusive practices starting from the preschool level, said Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

The Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister said inclusivity is a fundamental principle that lies at the heart of society’s values.

“It reflects our commitment to ensuring that every child is given the chance to reach their full potential, unencumbered by barriers, biases, or discrimination.

“It is a commitment that goes hand in hand with our vision for a more just and equitable society and let’s start this from preschool,” she said at the closing ceremony of the Sarawak Preschool International Convention 2023 which was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan here today.

She said inclusivity goes beyond mere acceptance; it requires a commitment to understanding, embracing, and celebrating the diverse backgrounds, abilities, and unique qualities that each child brings to the classroom.

“Through our 100 state-owned SeDidik Early Childhood Institutions, we teach our children sign language in national and state anthems, and basic sign language in communication such as ‘thank you’ and ‘good morning’.

“This is to inculcate the value of understanding diversity, the need to respect differences that will benefit the children now and in their future adult life, and enrich our communities and society as a whole,” she said.

She said as of Oct 31, there are 129 special needs children from 49 SeDidik centres throughout Sarawak.

“Our SeDidik open-door policy and inclusive programmes, provide opportunities for these special needs children to receive access to preschool education,” she added.

She also said that in efforts to ensure that special needs children are given early intervention, the ministry has successfully set up two One-Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC) for children aged six and below in Kuching and Dalat, Mukah.

“The first OSEIC in Kuching was initially planned to accommodate 100 children but due to the huge demand, it has been renovated to accommodate 500 children.

“As of 31st October 2023, the number of children at OSEIC Sarawak, Kuching is 473,” she said.

On the Sarawak Preschool International Convention, Fatimah said the annual event was organised with a shared purpose namely to explore, discuss, and promote the inclusive practices that will shape the future of Sarawak’s early childhood education system.

“We recognise that it takes a collective effort, involving educators, caregivers, policymakers, and communities, to build an inclusive educational landscape that truly leaves no child behind,” she said.