Jainab to raise education needs of deaf children
Published on: Monday, September 07, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: State Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid said she will raise concerns over the education needs of deaf children in Sabah, in the Cabinet this Wednesday.She said after all, Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun has been entrusted with the task of overseeing education matters in the State.Speaking to reporters after officiating at the 40th Anniversary Celebration cum Charity Dinner of the Sabah Society for the Deaf (SSD) at the Sabah Hakka Hall, she said: ADVERTISEMENT "A more pressing education issue affecting deaf students is the non-availability of Form 4 and 5 classes for them at the moment."Currently, the Sabah Society for the Deaf is providing pre-school education for deaf children. Older children are studying at SK Pendidikan Khas, Tuaran, after which they continue their education at SMK Datuk Peter Mojuntin."However, they are forced to discontinue their studies after Form 3. Those who cannot afford to pursue upper secondary education in the Peninsula may consider the two types of courses – furniture craft and electrical engineering – offered at Sekolah Teknik Keningau. But then these are not suitable for girls."Jainab, who is Karambunai Assemblywoman, mulled the possibility of bringing the matter to the attention of Minister of Education Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid or Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh in efforts to create a better tomorrow for the deaf community.ADVERTISEMENT She also wants to verify claims with State Education Director, Datuk Jame Alip that only SMK Datuk Peter Mojuntin in Penampang in the whole of Sabah provides lower secondary education to deaf students.Earlier, in her address, Jainab said she was informed by the President of SSD, Francis Yong that in July this year, the Society initiated a dialogue session between the then Deputy Minister of Education, Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching and parents and teachers of deaf students, on the problem faced by them.
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That was just before the Federal Cabinet reshuffle which saw Yap being appointed as Deputy Minister of Higher Education."I hope the Ministry of Education will seriously look into the various issues raised and make some positive changes to meet the education needs of deaf children in Sabah so that they will not be deprived of academic pursuits, like other normal hearing children," said the Minister.Meanwhile, Jainab saluted the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu for its foresight and initiative in forming the SSD 40 years ago, saying the Rotarians' vision has ultimately transformed the lives of many deaf individuals in Sabah.She also noted that the Society, under the leadership of Francis Yong since 2009, is one of the most active non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under the Sabah Council of Social Services (MPMS).Members of the public were urged to learn the sign language so as to communicate better with the deaf.At the function, the Minister presented awards (in the form of a plaque, certificate and cash) to former students, now working youths like Nethaneal Siegfred Enson, Jekaril Jinggom, Ho Choon Seong, Jimmy Wong Tee Ming, Lo Fook Fah, Joelle Wong Sen Fui, Roderick Kelvin Gondipon and Soo Kok Heng; students of SMK Datuk Peter Mojuntin, namely Divika Sopiji, Stella Shin and Vennibell Jotiol; and to pupils of SK Pendidikan Khas, Tuaran – Jane Christine Justine, Atasya Faqeha Juakim and Elviensoon Tiono Tinus.Principal of SSD Pre-School, Regina Wong was also honoured for her 18 years of service.In his address, President of SSD, Yong gave credit to the Sabah Credit Corporation for the Society's second block at its KK headquarters (at Bukit Padang), the purchase of its Kudat Branch school premises and for the Lahad Datu Branch premises. "We are blessed to have the support of generous individuals, organisations and corporate bodies," he said.Recognising the invaluable contribution made by past presidents and branch chairmen as well as members, Yong said some of them have even spent more than half of their lives selflessly doing work for the Society for the sake of the deaf in our community. Past presidents present were Lawrence Thien, Connie Tan and Janet Lee.The President urged SSD branches in Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kudat and Keningau to conduct outreach programmes with the aim of creating awareness of the existence of the Society and its education centres, among the rural populace in Kota Marudu, Pitas, Telupid, Kinabatangan and the interior region.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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Celebration Organising Chairman Bernard Tonduba made a vote of thanks to co-organiser Metta Charity Task Force (led by Lim Chong Sim and Wong Li Chu) and the Tawau Happy Dancing Group (led by Yen Shuk Khyun) for their contribution in making the event a memorable one."The theme for the celebration '40 Years of Journey Together' is most apt as it reflects the challenges the Society went through over the years to sustain its programmes and activities," he said.