SIBU: A total of 193 inclusive children have been enrolled in the SeDidik Sarawak programme for this year, reflecting the state’s determination to advance comprehensive inclusive education.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee said this is an important step towards building a more competitive society that is concerned with diversity.
“Inclusive education is the key to building a generation that respects each other and is full of empathy.
“The SeDidik programme practices the concept of education that is open to all children regardless of their physical, cognitive or socio-economic background.
“Inclusive education is not only preparing them for the school environment, but more than that, it teaches them to appreciate differences and live with respect,” he said in his speech at the 33rd Sibu Zone SeDidik Convocation Ceremony held at a prominent hotel here today (Nov 30).
His text of speech was read by Kapitan Lau Sei Kwong on his behalf at the ceremony.
At the ceremony, 85 children from nine SeDidik Centres in the Sibu Zone received their graduation certificates.
Tiang also reminded that the diversity of cultures, languages and backgrounds of the children at SeDidik is an asset that strengthens their open-mindedness.
This diversity, he stressed, fosters acceptance of various views, helping them develop important social skills in life and at school. With quality human capital, they will contribute to a more harmonious society.
He noted that SeDidik Sarawak also places emphasis on character development through noble values such as love, responsibility and respect.
As part of this effort, he said, SeDidik also introduced two special programmes – the Young Leader Programme and the Young Saver Programme.
Through the Young Leader Programme, he said children are given the opportunity to experience leadership, with each of them having the opportunity to be the class leader in turn for a week.
Meanwhile, he said the Young Saver Programme aims to teach children the importance of saving from an early age.
With a fun approach, he noted that they are given the opportunity to understand the basics of financial management through activities such as saving money in a savings account.
“Through these two programmes, children not only learn about responsibility, but also learn to appreciate the value of money and the importance of financial planning in their lives,” added Tiang, who is also Pelawan assemblyman.
Also present was senior manager, Corporate Services Sector, SeDidik Sdn Bhd Siti Rodziah Bunsu Drahman.
