KUCHING – A new chapter in inclusive early childhood education has begun in Sarawak through a strategic collaboration between the Sarawak Society for the Deaf (SSD) and Sedidik, with a strong focus on Sign Language and enhanced support for the deaf community.
The partnership was formalised through a memorandum of understanding, witnessed by Sarawak Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, during the Hand & Sign Day programme held at the Sarawak Deaf Association, Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho.
Dato Sri Fatimah emphasised the state’s “open door policy” in early childhood education, allowing children with special needs, including hearing impairments, to access quality education at Sedidik Kindergarten centres.
“Sedidik is now open to children with special needs, and the growing demand reflects the confidence of parents in its inclusive approach,” she said.
A key highlight of the initiative is Sedidik’s move to certify 98.4% of its educators in basic Sign Language, which is actively used during Circle Time activities with nearly 3,000 children across Sarawak.
Also discussed was the implementation of the cochlear implant programme, spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Tang. The programme offers life-changing hearing restoration to individuals aged 2 to 40, enabling them to undergo speech therapy and improve communication skills.
Dato Sri Fatimah further highlighted that Sign Language is not only essential for the deaf community but also beneficial for individuals with speech challenges, including stroke survivors and autistic children.
She also urged greater public awareness of deaf culture, promoting inclusivity in employment and social interactions between hearing and non-hearing communities.
The collaboration reflects Sarawak’s growing commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment that empowers all children, regardless of their abilities.
