DALAT: A total of 99 students received one-off education assistance amounting to RM50,600 under the Dalat Service Centre’s Education Committee to help them prepare for further studies.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the aid was intended to ease the financial burden on families, particularly those from lower-income groups.
She said the assistance would help ensure financial constraints do not prevent students from pursuing higher education.
“We hope the recipients will make full use of this assistance and continue striving for success in their studies.
“When they succeed in the future, they can give back to their families, communities and contribute to the state’s development,” she said.
She said this during the presentation of the assistance at the Dalat Service Centre on Tuesday.
Fatimah, who is the Dalat assemblywoman, said the Sarawak government remained committed to strengthening the education sector through various initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education and skills development opportunities.
She said the government had also provided laptops and digital devices, particularly for students from low-income families.
She also encouraged SPM leavers, especially those in Dalat, to take advantage of skills training programmes offered at the Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Dalat.
Among the courses available is elderly care, which she said is becoming increasingly relevant as Sarawak’s ageing population continues to grow.
The programme covers various aspects of elderly care, including health, psychology, senior citizens’ rights and related legislation.
“As Sarawak moves towards becoming an ageing state, the demand for elderly care services is expected to increase.
“Therefore, there is a growing need for skilled workers in this field,” she added.
