Andy Lawrence
KUCHING: Sri Aman parliamentary constituency should have its own Community College to provide skills and entrepreneurship training for the youths there.
Sarawak Workers Party (SWP) supreme council member Andy Lawrence, who made this suggestion, said this could stop youths from leaving Sri Aman and the neighbouring constituency of Lubok Antu due to limited opportunities.
He believed that once the college is set up, it will benefit both Sri Aman and Lubok Antu while providing an alternative platform for youths to pursue academic qualifications.
“Many of these youths did not have the opportunity to undergo tertiary education due to financial and family constraints, like having to look after parents or inability to meet universities’ entry requirements.
“If there is a college there for them, then these youths who completed the courses will be able to use their skills to make a proper living and upgrade the standard of living of their families.
“This will also benefit the local economy of Sri Aman and Lubok Antu,” he said.
Andy, who is strongly tipped to represent SWP in Sri Aman in the coming parliamentary election, also commented that he was impressed by newspaper reports of how Mas Gading Community College had benefitted participants and improved their livelihoods.
As such, he believed the same impact can be achieved in Sri Aman especially if the courses offered in the college are in line with local needs.
Based on his research, he pointed out there are currently 10,000 youths aged between 17 and 35 in Sri Aman and Lubok Antu who can greatly benefit from such courses.
“For example, we need courses relating to the agricultural industry, computer skills for clerical works, baking and catering, tailoring, beauty and cosmetic, accounting skills, nursery, basic construction and mechanical skills.
“The college may also consider joint efforts or joint venture with Open University Malaysia, Construction Industry Development Board or local universities to provide short courses for working adults.
“These youths should also be taught entrepreneurship skills so that they could set up and manage their own businesses,” he suggested.