KUCHING: ‘Program Anak Kita Sarawak’ (PAK) is more than a literacy and numeracy intervention initiative but is a long-term investment in educational success, talent and the overall future of the state, says Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
He said the programme plays a critical role in strengthening the foundational skills required for students to fully benefit from the state’s growing range of educational initiatives and opportunities.
“This is why foundational literacy and numeracy remain among the most important priorities in education.
“Without these fundamental skills, many children may struggle to fully participate in learning and may eventually lose confidence in their own abilities.
“‘Program Anak Kita Sarawak’ addresses this challenge directly,” he said in his speech during the PAK Learning Seminar and Closing Ceremony held here today.
He also highlighted the importance of ensuring children possess strong literacy and numeracy skills before they can excel in areas such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), digitalisation and artificial intelligence.
He noted that PAK was designed to address these challenges by providing targeted support and intervention for pupils requiring additional guidance, helping to identify and close learning gaps at an early stage.
“The true success of PAK is not measured solely by statistics or percentages. It is measured by the confidence of a child who can now read independently, who is no longer afraid of numbers, and who actively participates in class because he or she believes learning is possible,” he said.
Sagah added that the programme’s impact extends beyond primary education, as students will later benefit from various state-led initiatives, including the Sarawak Dual Language Programme (DLP), the Sarawak Education Enhancement Programme (SEEP), STEM Catalyst, and the ‘Ujian Penilaian- Dual Language Programme Sarawak Tahun 6’ (UP-DLPS 6).
However, he stressed that the effectiveness of these programmes depends on students having strong literacy and numeracy foundations.
“A pupil cannot fully benefit from Science taught in English without adequate literacy skills. A pupil cannot confidently pursue STEM pathways without strong numeracy skills,” he said.
Sagah also paid tribute to teachers, describing them as the backbone of the programme’s success and the key enablers of learning.
“Technology can support learning, but none of these can replace the dedication, patience and commitment of a teacher. Teachers remain the heart of education,” he said.
As Sarawak advances towards the goals outlined in the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, Sagah said the state’s future success would depend heavily on the quality of its human capital.
He urged all stakeholders to continue building on the programme’s achievements and ensure that no child is left behind in the pursuit of quality education.
With the conclusion of PAK, he said its legacy should continue through the lessons learned, partnerships forged, and commitment demonstrated throughout its implementation.
