Latest news with #ChildhoodandCommunityWellbeingDevelopment
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Fatimah: Kids' Athletics programme builds healthy, confident future leaders
Fatimah (third left) presents a token of appreciation to a participant. MUKAH (June 22): The Kids' Athletics programme is not merely a sporting event but a meaningful initiative to nurture healthy, intelligent and grounded youths, said Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah. She said the event, which was participated in by 25 primary schools across Mukah, Daro and Dalat, reflected the strong sporting spirit among the children. 'They are not only competing in a healthy manner but also building friendships, self-confidence and discipline — values that are essential in shaping future generations,' she said when officiating the Kids' Athletics 2025 Series 2.2 for Mukah Zone closing ceremony at the Mukah Stadium here yesterday. The Dalat assemblywoman said the programme provided a safe and fun platform for children to learn through experience, discover their potential and develop their talents. 'Activities such as Sprint Hurdles, Formula One, Cross Hopping, Overhead Backward Throwing, and Pole Long Jumping provide a balanced physical and mental challenge, requiring teamwork, strategy, and efficiency. 'I'm truly impressed by the holistic approach offered through Kids' Athletics, which integrates physical, spiritual, emotional, and social elements into an effective outdoor learning method. 'In this digital era, we must encourage our children to be more physically active so that they can excel not only academically, but also maintain physical and mental wellbeing,' she said. Fatimah said sports could be a catalyst for social change, contributing to the development of a healthier, more resilient, and united society, adding: 'We are not only developing athletes, but also future leaders who understand the meaning of competitiveness, teamwork, and perseverance.' She also called for stronger collaboration among ministries, the Education Department, sports associations, schools, and communities in advancing grassroots sports development in Sarawak. 'On behalf of the Sarawak government, I assure that support for programmes like this will continue to grow and be strengthened. I hope other zones will take the initiative to organise their own editions in the future,' she said. Fatimah expressed hope that such initiatives would spark greater interest in sports and help unearth athletic talent. 'Not everyone may be interested in sports, but some will, and perhaps one day, they may represent Sarawak – or even Malaysia – on the world stage,' she said. The programme was jointly organised by the Sarawak Athletics Association, Sarawak State Education Department, and Sarawak Sports Corporation. Also present were organising chairman Bong Soon Kee, Malaysian Athletics Federation vice president and Sarawak Athletics Association deputy president Lim Tze Yaw and treasurer Josephine Kang Teok Koon. fatimah abdullah Kids' Athletics programme lead Mukah
Borneo Post
a day ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Community-led BSL programme helps SMK Dalat students pass SPM
Fatimah (back row, second left) takes a group photo with students who achieved excellent results in the 2024 SPM. Also seen are Mathew (left) and Magdaline (right). DALAT (June 22): The 'Bimbing Sampai Lulus' (BSL) programme at SMK Dalat has successfully helped all participating students obtain their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualifications. Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the programme — which began in 2021 at Kampung Medong — initially served to assist students who failed to obtain their SPM certificate, with a focus on Bahasa Melayu and History. 'The core objective of BSL is not just to boost passing rates; it is a reflection of a united community effort in educating our children. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. 'Education is no longer the sole responsibility of teachers — it is a shared commitment involving parents, community leaders, government agencies and the wider community,' said the Dalat assemblywoman during the 'Program Intervensi Bimbingan Khas Sekolah' (PIBKS) Appreciation Ceremony organised by the Dalat District Education Office (PPD) at Dewan Jerunai, SMK Dalat here yesterday. Fatimah said following the success of the pilot phase, the programme was expanded to other villages and continued to deliver positive results, with SMK Dalat again recording success in 2022. In 2023, the programme was introduced at SMK Oya and achieved outstanding outcomes, with all participating students obtaining their SPM certificates. 'In 2024, the BSL programme was further enhanced — in addition to Bahasa Melayu and History, Mathematics was added due to the need to address persistent underperformance in this subject. Early results show encouraging improvements.' She also commended SK Saint John for its implementation of PIBKS, which is a pilot remedial initiative carried out through collaboration between PPD Dalat, the school and the Kampung Medong community. She said as of January this year, four out of 12 students under the Bahasa Melayu remedial module successfully exited the programme, while 10 out of 20 students in the Mathematics module had shown similar progress. 'Remarkably, the teaching modules are guided by SPM school leavers and local community members under the supervision of special remedial teachers. This is a true example of effective grassroots collaboration,' she said. Fatimah added that with the active involvement of the district office, KMKK, parents, and local communities, Dalat is well-positioned to become a pioneer district in community-based education. 'This is no small achievement – it is living proof that when a community unites for education, extraordinary things can happen,' she said, expressing confidence that with continued commitment, creativity, and collaboration, Dalat could one day be known not only for its renowned 'balau' and sago products, but also as a hub for producing knowledgeable and well-educated human capital. Among those present were Dalat District Officer Mathew Hubert, PPD Dalat officer Magdaline Jon, and SMK Dalat principal Samsul Bohari. Bimbing Sampai Lulus BSL fatimah abdullah lead SMK Dalat SPM
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Kpg Rayu Iban to get Community Fire Unit, KRT for safety and unity
Fatimah says the initiative to set up the Community Fire Unit is crucial as the nearest fire station is located far from the village, which poses difficulties to rapid response in the event of a fire. KUCHING (June 18): A Community Fire Unit and neighborhood watch area (KRT) will be established in Kampung Rayu Iban, Lundu as part of efforts to strengthen safety and promote community unity, said Sarawak Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah. She said the initiative to set up the Community Fire Unit is crucial as the nearest fire station is located far from the village, which poses difficulties to rapid response in the event of a fire. 'This matter has been discussed in previous meetings, and today I was informed that the Fire and Rescue Department will work with the village chief to make the Community Fire Unit in Kampung Rayu a reality,' she said during the closing ceremony of the KPWK Gawai Dayak and Raya Outreach programme with strategic partners at the Kampung Rayu Iban longhouse in Lundu today. Fatimah added that the establishment of the unit is critical, as longhouses are at high risk of fire due to their connected structures, where one door links to the next. 'If one unit catches fire, the entire longhouse could be destroyed in the blink of an eye. 'That is why the community must be trained and prepared to act as the first responders while waiting for the fire brigade to arrive,' she said. She also noted that the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) had given a fire prevention briefing to residents as an initial step to raise awareness and enhance community preparedness. In addition, Fatimah said the Department of National Unity and Integration has been requested to look into the formation of a KRT in the village. 'I was informed this morning that efforts to set up the KRT can begin and be further discussed in detail. This is important for implementing unity and safety programmes in an organised manner,' she said. She explained that officially registered KRTs would receive an annual allocation of RM6,000 to carry out various community programmes. 'This not only strengthens unity but also opens up opportunities for structured grassroots social development activities,' she added. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 residents of Kampung Rayu Iban longhouse benefited from the two-day KPWK Gawai Dayak and Raya Outreach programme, which was carried out in collaboration with strategic partners. The programme aimed to bring government services and information directly to rural communities, especially those with limited access or awareness. Among the services offered were applications for aid schemes, free health screenings, entrepreneurship and leadership seminars, and advisory counters from various government agencies. Fatimah said the initiative reflects the Sarawak government's commitment to inclusivity under the leadership of Sarawak Premier, ensuring no one is left behind in the state's development. Also present were Deputy State Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam; the ministry's Permanent Secretary Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua; Tanjong Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan; and Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor.
The Star
05-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Sarawak para-athletics team heads to Germany for training
State Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah (second right) chatting with the para athletes and officials who will be going to Germany for exposure and training. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star KUCHING: A para-athletics team from Sarawak is set to travel to Germany for exposure and training to enhance their development, says Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah. The state Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Minister announced that the 13-member team of para-athletes and officials will visit Berlin from June 16 to 25 in a collaboration between Sarawak and Germany. The athletes include Para Malaysia Games (Sukma) gold medallists in throwing and running events, she said at a press conference on Thursday (June 5). "They will meet with a Paralympic sports association, sports psychologist, and nutritionist to gain useful tips and undergo training sessions. "There will also be a career talk focusing on their future after athletics," Fatimah said. The team will visit the Paralympic Sports Centre in Cottbus, Brandenburg, to gain insight into the setup there. The trip will allow the para-athletes to train with German coaches and be assessed on their strengths and weaknesses, while Sarawak coaches will collaborate with their German counterparts. Additionally, the athletes will participate in a German regional para-athletics championship to gain exposure and experience. "We hope the athletes will benefit from the trip and improve their performance through this exposure and training," Fatimah said. The para-athletics team is a major component of Sarawak's Para Sukma team. At the last Para Sukma held in Kuching last year, the Sarawak para-athletics team won 33 gold, 24 silver, and 37 bronze medals. The team has continued training since November last year and recently excelled in the Para-Athletics Borneo Circuit, securing 53 gold, 36 silver, and 15 bronze medals. The Sarawak para-athletics team will compete in the National Para-Athletics Championship in Kuantan, Pahang, from June 26 to 29, which will select athletes for the upcoming 13th Asean Para Games in Thailand in January next year.
Borneo Post
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Fatimah: Authenticity of Pesta Kaul must be preserved for future generations
Fatimah and other guests pose for a group photo after officially launching Pesta Kaul Sungai Kut Muara. MUKAH (June 2): The authenticity and cultural significance of the Pesta Kaul Sungai Kut Muara must be preserved to reflect the true spirit of the traditional Melanau celebration passed down through generations, said Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah. 'If tourists want to witness an authentic Kaul festival, they should come and experience the Pesta Kaul in Mukah,' she said when officiating the opening ceremony of the festival today. Fatimah praised the collaboration between the older and younger generations in ensuring the annual continuation of the cultural event. 'The involvement of both senior and upcoming generations ensures the continuity of the authentic Pesta Kaul,' she said, when officiating at the opening of the Pesta Kaul Sungai Kut Muara today. Fatimah congratulating the committee members for successfully carrying out the responsibility of continuing this cultural legacy. Looking ahead, Fatimah proposed strengthening the celebration further by 2026. 'We can enhance the Pesta Kaul with more structured planning through discussions between local village committees (JKKK) and district office,' she said. She stressed the importance of refining and elevating festival activities, showcasing the innovation and craftsmanship of the Melanau people, particularly in traditional raft-making for the symbolic Serahang procession. To preserve the unique identity of Pesta Kaul, Fatimah highlighted the importance of traditional Melanau attire as a defining feature of the festival, and urged focus on traditions rooted in pre-Islamic and pre-Christian Melanau culture. 'The authenticity of Pesta Kaul must be preserved and passed down. The younger generation must understand its significance through oral storytelling competitions or written narratives about the Kaul,' she explained. Workshops on Serahang making should also be organised to prevent the loss of this cultural craft, she added, while urging the community to safeguard their unity and cultural space against negative external influences. In addition to the cultural aspects, Fatimah also outlined several completed and upcoming development projects under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) in Dalat, and emphasised the importance of education. She noted that the government continues to provide substantial support for early childhood education, ensuring access to quality schooling for children in rural areas. fatimah abdullah lead Melanau community Pesta Kaul
