SERIAN: Tadika Juara Serian continues to serve the community by providing early childhood education, following the launch of its new building extension today.
The extension is part of a larger fundraising initiative with a target of RM4.8 million. In 2021, the Sarawak Government, through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), approved a RM1-million grant for the project.
Bukit Semuja state assemblyman, John Ilus, said the kindergarten had approached him for assistance in seeking approval from UNIFOR for the grant.
“Our service centre helped submit the application and informed UNIFOR of the plan to build a new extension. UNIFOR then approved a RM1-million grant, and we are pleased to see the outcome today,” he said after the blessing and launching ceremony.
He added that the new building would provide a more comfortable and conducive learning environment for the children.
The UNIFOR Charitable Trust further supported the initiative by supplying essential furniture and kitchenware to ensure the new extension is fully functional.
The extension aims to provide holistic and quality early childhood education, while accommodating increasing enrolment so that no child is turned away due to space constraints.
It also reflects the long-standing mission of the Sisters of St Francis of Sarawak (SSFS) to nurture both the minds and souls of the next generation through education.
SSFS Superior-General, Sister Rose Wong, expressed gratitude to all parties involved in the project, particularly UNIFOR and donors.
She also thanked Archbishop Datuk Simon Poh for approving the project, John Ilus for supporting the UNIFOR application, and the fundraising committee for securing contributions.
“This project is a visible sign of God’s faithfulness, shown through generous hearts, skilled hands and shared sacrifice,” she said.
A total of 274 donors has contributed RM1.5 million so far, including RM330,000 in pledges for 10 classrooms.
The project still requires RM3.2 million to meet its RM4.8 million target to cover remaining construction and interior furnishing costs.
