KUCHING: The construction of the new Sarawak Dyslexia Centre building is nearly complete, having reached 98 per cent progress, and is expected to begin operations this November after a final inspection by the Fire and Rescue Department.
Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said the three-storey building was made possible through a grant from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to the association.
“The relocation of the dyslexia centre had to be done to make way for development at the old site.
The Dyslexia Association has also been consistently raising funds through charity activities to cover operational costs and programme implementation.
“With this new building, students will have more comfortable accommodation, especially those from outside the area. Although the number is not large, we want to ensure inclusive education access is provided so that no one is left behind.”
Fatimah said this at a press conference after receiving a courtesy call from the Sarawak Dyslexia Association here today.
To complete the facilities at the new building, the Sarawak Dyslexia Association will be organising two major events this year: the 2025 Charity Sale & Fun Fair and the Walk With a Child programme.
The Charity Sale & Fun Fair will be held on September 14 at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre, Jalan Stampin, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, featuring 54 stalls.
Fundraising head Mok Venia said the event aims to raise RM80,000, which will be used to meet other needs such as furniture and the centre’s operating costs.
“The purpose of this fundraising is to help smoothen the association’s operations, especially as we begin operating in the new building which requires support from many aspects,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Walk With a Child programme is scheduled for October 19 starting at 6:30 am from the Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
This charity event offers two categories: a 3-km run at 6:45 am and a 5-km run at 6:30 am, targeting 700 participants.
“This programme is open to all members of society, and we strongly encourage participation with children,” Venia added.
During the same press conference, Fatimah also announced a RM10,000 contribution to support and ensure the success of the programme.
Currently, the centre accommodates 37 students ranging from kindergarten to secondary school levels, while the Sarawak Dyslexia Association’s programmes have benefitted over 200 children since its establishment.
For the record, the state government allocated RM3.954 million to the association on April 22, 2022 for the construction of its new building, located on a 0.607-hectare site at Lot 6592, Block 225, KNLD, Desa Wira, Batu Kawa, here.
