KUCHING: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) launched an initiative aimed at cultivating creativity, cultural appreciation and artistic confidence among schoolchildren.
The “Nurturing Young Hearts Through Calligraphy” programme brings together councillors, calligraphy artists, teachers, parents and students.
MBKS Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the initiative reflects the council’s commitment to nurturing creativity among children through hands-on cultural experiences.
“Through activities like calligraphy, we encourage our young generation to explore creativity, appreciate handmade art and develop a love for cultural crafts,” he said at a press conference here Tuesday (Jan 20).
He said that calligraphy goes beyond writing, as it instils patience, focus and creativity while helping children express themselves through artistic forms rooted in heritage.
According to Wee, the programme is one of MBKS’ action plans under the Child Friendly City Initiative (CFCI), which prioritises inclusive learning spaces for children.
“Under CFCI, MBKS aims to create more opportunities for children to participate in arts, crafts and cultural activities that help build confidence and personal growth.
He added that such initiatives demonstrate MBKS’ commitment to making Kuching a city where children are encouraged to learn, create and shine in supportive surroundings.
He also highlighted the significance of students from different ethnic backgrounds learning calligraphy together under the same programme.
He said the shared artistic experience promotes mutual understanding, respect for cultural diversity and the building of friendships among children from various communities.
“One of the programme’s key highlights is the MBKS Chinese New Year Couplets project, featuring couplets written entirely by participating students.
“The student-created couplets will be displayed during upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, sharing messages of hope, creativity and goodwill with the wider community,”he said.
He said programmes like this help nurture interest in arts and crafts while allowing children to discover talents and develop self-confidence.
At the same time, he added that such initiatives play an important role in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening harmony in Kuching’s multi-ethnic society.
