KUCHING, July 19: Some 79 schools in Serian will be among other schools throughout the State to benefit from the RM12 million provision of computer facilities project by the Sarawak government.
Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong said the project is being carried out in three batches, spanning from May to Dec 2021.
According to him, batch 1 of the project covers 344 schools, mostly in the rural or interior, for instance, schools under the District Education Office (PPD) in Baram, Belaga, Kapit, Song and Daro.
“As of July 9, 2021, Batch 1 has achieved 98 per cent completion and Batch 2 started its delivery process on July 12, 2021.
“There are altogether 79 primary schools under PPD Serian that will benefit from this project through an allocation of 507 units of Raspberry Pi computers under Batch 2, including a unit for the PPD office.
“I believe some of the schools in Serian would already have their computers delivered and installed by Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (Sains) by now, and all primary schools in Serian are expected to receive the computers by the end of this month,” he said during a handing over ceremony of the Raspberry Pi computers to primary schools in Serian district at Tayung Langui Community Hall in Kampung Pichin, today.
Manyin’s text of speech was read by Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben at the function.
The State government, through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research (MESTR), Manyin noted is embarking on an initiative to equip all primary schools in the State with computer facilities.
He explained, in line with the State’s digital economy agenda, the government also strongly encourages the mastery of digital skills among the younger generations as early as primary school.
“Early exposure to computers and information and Communication Technology (ICT) enables school pupils to be proficient with computers, to be taught computer-based technology and to be exposed to the digital world from an early age.
“However, one of the challenges faced in Sarawak is the lack of basic computer facilities in many of the primary schools. Hence, the State government has allocated RM12 million under Projek Rakyat to equip all primary schools with computer facilities,” he added.
Manyin pointed out that the scope of the project includes the provision of Raspberry Pi computers to all 1,265 primary schools in Sarawak and training for identified school personnel on basic operation of the computers.
He said all Raspberry Pi computers come in complete sets with monitor, keyboard, including mouse, and the hardware is covered by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty and support service, as well as 24-hour a day and seven-day a week help desk support by Sains.
“The Raspberry Pi computers have a unique function called ‘Internet-in-a-box’ that can enable wireless action points with pre-loaded learning content. It works as an intranet network and ensures learning can still happen even at places where there is no internet connectivity.
“Each primary school is given between three to 25 units of computers depending on the school population,” he said. — DayakDaily
