KUCHING (Dec 3): The One-Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC) has emerged as a transformative beacon for children with special needs in Sarawak, providing comprehensive services under one roof, said Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.
Since its inception, OSEIC has empowered over 500 families across Sarawak, offering early intervention services that integrate therapy, education, and family support. These efforts help children achieve developmental milestones and acquire vital life skills.
“The centre’s holistic approach, inclusive education focus, and strong community partnerships demonstrate its dedication to creating a supportive and equitable environment for all children,” Fatimah said in a statement after a meeting with OSEIC Sarawak advisors in Petra Jaya.
Innovative Tools to Boost Development
OSEIC is now exploring an exciting collaboration with Toy 8 to integrate innovative play-based tools into its programmes. These tools, designed to enhance cognitive, motor, and social skills, promise to make learning engaging and child-centered.
Fatimah noted that the collaboration includes training therapists and parents to ensure the seamless use of these tools at the centre and at home. A monitoring framework is also being developed to measure the programme’s effectiveness and refine its impact.
New Facilities and Growing Reach
OSEIC’s impact continues to grow with the upcoming opening of OSEIC Miri, scheduled for mid-June 2024. Supported by a RM3.936 million allocation from the Sarawak government, the centre is expanding to meet increasing demand.
As of October 31, OSEIC Kuching has served 536 children, while OSEIC Dalat has catered to 55. Most of these children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or face delayed speech development.
Plans for OSEIC Samarahan are also underway, addressing the rising demand in the division. Currently, 34 children from Samarahan and nine from Serian commute to OSEIC Kuching for sessions.
OSEIC’s ongoing efforts reflect Sarawak’s commitment to empowering special needs children and ensuring brighter futures for their families.
