SIBU, March 12: More literacy programmes need to be implemented to increase the literacy rate in Sarawak.
“In terms of the statistics I read earlier, for Malaysia and Sarawak, in 2010, 92 per cent (for Sarawak) was lower than the national figure of 93.5 per cent. So, it means that we in Sarawak still need to run this adult literacy programme either by the library or Kemas and others. This is very welcome because reading is a bridge of knowledge. Reading gives self-confidence to a person as well as high self-worth and esteem,” said Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah here today.
Speaking after officiating at a train-the-trainer workshop for adult literacy programmes, she stressed that literacy programmes can not only increase the literacy rate in Sarawak but also give the illiterate a second chance for their future.
She said that this kind of programme which is carried out not only in urban but also in rural areas, would ensure that children can learn to read. It can also be tailored to the elderly who did not have the opportunity to go to school when younger.
The Dalat assemblywoman also called on illiterate individuals to come forward regardless of age and use the available opportunities offered by the programme.
“It is not easy for someone who is not good at reading who is old to come forward to learn to read because there is a feeling of shame. But the truth is what we want to explain in this adult literacy class, because they didn’t have the opportunity to go to school so they are not good at reading. So now when there’s that opportunity, ,don’t feel ashamed, don’t feel inferior because it’s not their fault because of the situation,” she added.
Also present was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sarawak State Library, Japri Bujang Masli. — DayakDaily
