WELL DONE: Ghani (second left) handing over a cheque and certificate of appreciation to Tan Kuang Wui of Sibu.
KUCHING: Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) is calling on the government to build schools for special needs children in major divisions of the state instead of incorporating them in integrated schools.
In putting up the proposal, its president William Ghani Bina cited the lack of adequate facilities and unsuitability of present integrated schools such as SMK Datuk Patinggi Abdul Kapor and SMK Batu Lintang here in providing education to the children, who need special care.
“Besides, we urge the Ministry of Education to train enough teachers for students with special needs,” he told a news conference after closing the union’s 21st biennial delegates’ conference at Wisma STU here yesterday.
An exco-member of STU, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the government had pledged a separate facility near SMK Datuk Patinggi Abdul Kapor here for special children.
According to her, the promise was made some five or so years ago but had remained unfulfilled ever since.
“We are usually not permitted to touch on any of it, so I hope you (journalists) understand. We do follow up on the promise, but there is yet any good news.”
She added that 16 teachers with special education background were attending to 63 students in the school.
Earlier, Ghani also urged STU members to sharpen their teaching skills so as to better guide students.
“We must look at the needs of developing ourselves to be good teachers.”
At the closing ceremony, he presented incentives and certificates of appreciation to Sibu and Mukah branches for recording the highest number and percentage of recruitment.