KUCHING: Anglican Bishop of Kuching Rt Rev Datuk Bolly Lapok says the extent of St Faith’s Kindergarten’s success is for all to see and for history to judge.
“As St Faith’s Kindergarten journeys on, it must be remembered that the real and lasting changes it brought to the lives of individuals and communities are not accidental luxuries. They are real signs and a foretaste of what is to come,” said the Bishop, whose words were printed on a booklet made available at the official opening of the kindergarten’s building.
He added despite meagre resources at the time, it was their topmost priority to spend on and pioneer the field of education.
Encouraged by the change they saw, more schools were built and in its time, St Faith’s primary school journey was marked with memorable adventures which resulted in the unfolding of new discoveries. Among many surprises, a super-sized need for a kindergarten was found.
According to kindergarten chairman Darrell Tsen, this would be the third time that the kindergarten has moved its premises since its beginning at the clergy flats in 1989, but this time to a magnificent building.
“We thank the church and the people who made this happen.”
Meanwhile, The Vicar of St Faith The Venerable Canon Nelson Ugas said the church still needed to raise RM700,000 to pay for the whole cost of the project.
“Therefore, I continue to appeal for your generous contribution to the New Tadika Building Fund.
Tadika St Faith was envisioned out of the concern of some members of St Faith’s Church who saw the need to reach out to children in the community at Kenyalang Park.
In 1988, a kindergarten board was formed with its first chairman, (Rev) John Sim and seven other church members.
The objective of this Christian-based kindergarten, which still remains until today, is to provide God-centred programme or curriculum for the wholesome development of children through caring, learning and creative activities.
In 1989, at the ground floor of the clergy flat, the kindergarten started with two classes of 33 children. The church saw the need to have a bigger space and allocated the ground floor of the Parish Centre to the kindergarten when it was completed in 2003.
After 28 years of its establishment, beyond the expectation of many, the kindergarten now has its very own building.