First kindergarten at workplace in KK launched

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taska-2KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Community Development and Consumer Affairs yesterday launched its first ‘kindergarten at workplace’, as part of its efforts to help working mothers and promote closer family ties between parents and their young children.

Its minister, Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun, when officiating at the launch, said the rapid economic development in Sabah had created more job opportunities for its people.

Undeniably, she said more and more women were joining their male counterparts in grabbing the opportunities to become successful in their career, while at the same time balancing their responsibilities as parents.

“When the mothers too started to work, demand for kindergarten has also increased but these facilities, especially the ones which are close to the workplace and allow parents an easy access to their children without disrupting their working hours, are very limited.

“As parents, we would feel better if the kids are just nearby and we go to see them at any time without having to leave work. This does not only eliminate conflict between work and responsibilities as parents but also promotes healthy family ties, which will impact positively on the growth of children.

“It is in this view that my ministry has taken the initiative to set up this facility,” she said, adding that a similar kindergarten was being planned to be opened at the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) complex in Taman Khidmat.

Known as “Taska Anakku Sayang JPKA”, the newly launched kindergarten located on the first floor of Block B, Wisma MUIS, is a State Government fully-funded project.

The facility, costing RM250,000, can accommodate up to 45 children and is now caring for 30 children, whose parents are working in offices located in the same building or nearby areas.

The centre, which serves as a pilot project and reference for future establishment, started operation in January with five qualified and experienced caretakers.

Meanwhile, the Sabah Welfare Services Council has set aside RM60,000 to sponsor 10 differently-abled people for an economic empowerment programme.

In view of the programme, a memorandum of understanding between the Malaysian Council of Cheshire Homes and Services president Datuk Rowland Chin Kok Fah and welfare services council deputy director Mohammad Noor Wahada was signed at Likas here yesterday.

The event was witnessed by Azizah who is also Welfare Services Council president.

Meanwhile, programme chairman Lawrence Lee said participants would undergo a nine-month certificate course in pastry-making conducted by the Asian Tourism International College.