KUCHING: Sarawak’s mission schools are poised to benefit from a RM30 million state government allocation to improve their facilities and students’ academic performance, particularly in science and mathematics.
Deputy Premier and Minister-in-charge of the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said discussions were underway with 125 mission schools on how the allocation could best address their needs.
He said the assistance would cover infrastructure as well as educational equipment and newer technologies such as smartboards.
“In the past, most of the funds were used to assist with infrastructure, but now we are moving beyond that into software, soft skills and motivational classes,” he said when officiating the Phase 1 UNIFOR grant presentation at the UNIFOR Complex here on Tuesday (Aug 18).
Uggah said the initiative was intended to help students secure the qualifications needed to benefit from the state government’s free tertiary education programme.
He expressed concern that fewer students outside urban areas might qualify for admission to participating state-owned higher learning institutions if their academic performance was not improved.
“The programme is given to everyone regardless of race or religion, but students must obtain the required qualifications to be admitted to these universities,” he said.
He stressed that UNIFOR must therefore play a broader role in supporting mission schools rather than concentrating solely on their physical needs.
Special attention would be given to science and mathematics, which he identified as key areas requiring improvement among students.
Uggah said UNIFOR had met representatives of mission schools to discuss the way forward and determine suitable measures to raise student achievement.
Elected representatives would also be encouraged to work with mission schools within their constituencies to motivate and guide students.
“We want them to improve their performance so that they will also be able to benefit from the free tertiary education provided by the Sarawak government,” he said.
