SIMANGGANG – Three schools in Sri Aman have received financial assistance totalling RM370,000 from the Sarawak Government through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), underscoring the state’s commitment to supporting education and community development.
The cheques were presented by Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis during the Lukean Legacy Appreciation Ceremony at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Saint Luke on Thursday.
SMK Saint Luke was awarded RM200,000, while Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Saint Luke and SK Saint Lawrence received RM90,000 and RM80,000 respectively. The allocations are expected to strengthen facilities and enhance learning environments for students in the Simanggang constituency.
In addition to the UNIFOR assistance, Datuk Francis Harden announced a Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) project worth RM300,000 to build a football pitch at SMK Saint Luke. He also revealed a Minor Rural Project (MRP) allocation of RM30,000 for 2026, designated for the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG).
Addressing students, particularly those preparing for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, he encouraged them to pursue higher education opportunities. He highlighted the Sarawak Government’s initiative to provide three years of free Bachelor’s degree studies at four state-owned institutions beginning in 2026.
The institutions offering this programme are:
- Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
- Curtin University Malaysia
- University of Technology Sarawak (UTS)
- i-CATS University College
Datuk Francis Harden urged young Sarawakians to take advantage of this opportunity, stressing that education is a vital pathway to building a competitive and skilled generation.
The ceremony not only celebrated the financial support provided to schools but also reinforced the government’s broader vision of empowering communities through education, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
