BETONG – A significant boost to educational infrastructure has been secured for the Betong division, with four missionary schools in the Layar constituency receiving a combined total of RM512,098.
The funding was allocated through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), a unique state government agency dedicated to assisting non-Muslim houses of worship and mission schools.
The financial aid was officially presented by Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, the Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak.
As the Assemblyman for Layar, Datuk Gerald oversaw the handover of cheques to school representatives, marking another step in the state’s ongoing efforts to upgrade rural educational facilities.
Among the beneficiaries, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) St Augustine secured the largest portion of the funding. The secondary school was awarded RM260,000, which has been earmarked for several critical projects.
A significant portion of this sum will go towards the construction of a new dormitory for female students, addressing the need for better accommodation for those living far from the school.
Additionally, SMK St Augustine will utilise the funds to repaint several key buildings, including Blocks A, B, C, the Wawasan Block, and the computer room. To modernise their teaching aids, the school will also procure new Smart TVs.
In the primary education sector, Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) St Bartholomew received RM100,000. This allocation is designated for the construction of a new covered walkway, a vital infrastructure improvement that ensures students and staff are protected from the elements, particularly during Sarawak’s frequent heavy rains.
Similarly, SK St Augustine was granted RM100,000 specifically for the maintenance and upgrading of its Old Administration Block. Recognizing the importance of digital literacy, the school received an additional RM11,908 strictly for the purchase of a smart board TV, bringing their total aid to nearly RM112,000.
The fourth recipient, SK St Mark, was allocated RM41,000. These funds are set to improve the school’s physical environment through drainage system upgrades, essential for preventing flash floods, and to purchase new equipment for the School Resource Centre to enhance student learning materials.
School administrators expressed profound gratitude to the Sarawak Government for the timely financial intervention. Missionary schools often operate with limited budgets for capital expenditure, making UNIFOR’s assistance crucial for maintaining safe and conducive learning environments.
This latest disbursement underscores the Sarawak Government’s commitment to inclusivity in education, ensuring that mission schools in rural areas like Betong are not left behind in terms of infrastructure development and technological adoption.
