KUCHING, Oct 13: The Association of Kindergarten Operators (AKO) Sarawak conveyed its appreciation to the Ministry of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family Childhood Development (KWKPK) for their constant support towards the early childhood development industry in Sarawak during the Covid-19 pandemic.
AKO Sarawak president Jason Kong Jin Nian in a statement today said the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on early childhood education settings and coaching.
“Not only did KWKPK help private kindergarten operators get through the Covid-19 pandemic, but had also ensured that teaching and learning alternatives for teachers and children are put in place to continue with their lessons when attending school was not possible, as well as continuously working on the right safety measures that will make the school a safe working and learning place for our teachers and children,” he said.
He added that as the nation moves towards living with Covid-19 as an endemic, AKO Sarawak hopes that the lesson learned from these trying times can help all private kindergarten operators to develop sustainable crisis preparedness, response and recovery capacities that include the protection and wellbeing of children and educators.
Meanwhile, Jason urges private kindergarten operators in Sarawak who have applied for this year’s Special Annual Grant but have not received the funds to call or message the association at 012-2077792.
He said the association has received a response from KWKPK pertaining to a number of private kindergartens in Sarawak who have failed to get the Special Annual Grant 2021 (Geran Tahunan Khas 2021) given by KWKPK due to incomplete documents submission during the online application process.
“This financial assistance from the ministry has greatly helped private kindergarten operators in Sarawak to cover additional operating expenses caused by the pandemic.
“AKO Sarawak will assist to follow up on your case with KWKPK, and are looking forward to more opportunities to work together with KWKPK in the future for the betterment of the early childhood development industry in Sarawak,” he said. – DayakDaily.
