By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, July 6: The Sarawak government holds mission schools in high esteem because they have helped produced great leaders, said Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin.
“Without missionary schools, we might not be what we are today,” he said at SMK St Columba’s 90th anniversary here last night.
He told those present that the state government had always supported mission schools by giving them allocations or granting them land in support of their activities.
St Columba’s school was established in 1929. It comprises SMK St Columba, SK St Columba and St Columba Kindergarten. Together, they formed a part of Miri City’s rich history.
On education in general, Lee said the state government had always placed great emphasis on education.
“That is why we have our own education ministry in order to improve the standard of education in the state. Of course, in order to create that development, we will work together with the federal government to ensure that we, in Sarawak, will receive the relevant assistance,” he said.
Also present at the gathering were SMK St Columba principal Subah Nyareng, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman Karambir Singh, school management board chairman Hurbert Hurton Kelon and chief executive officer of Riam Road Secondary School (RRSS) Dato Dr Fong Onn Min.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of some 50 songs and dance routines by 329 students. — Dayakdaily
