SIBU: Single mothers must place emphasis on education in their families despite facing hardships of a low income, as it is the only way to guarantee a good future for their children.
Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee made the call when officiating at the Annual Family Day hosted by the Sarawak Central Region Single Mothers Association (PITWITS) at Sibu Civic Centre here yesterday.
“They should give proper education to their children as this is the only way their standard of living could be lifted in future,” he said.
During the PITWITS event yesterday, Dr Annuar presented study incentives to children of 26 members for scoring excellent academic results last year.
Single mothers were also urged to pool resources to care for other single mothers in dire need of assistance.
“Single mothers are encouraged to connect to the government through their association to ensure they are not left out of benefits,” he said.
He added that the government had always been giving a lot of assistance to oversee their welfare.
Meanwhile, Dr Annuar disclosed that the construction of Sarawak Peryatim Complex Sibu branch at Kemuyang here costing RM10 million was expected to be completed soon.
He said children could stay in the school hostel and their expenses of transportation, food and drinks, pocket money and miscellaneous were all for free.
“Any orphan regardless of race can use the facility,” he said when calling on single mothers to send their children there.
Dr Annuar also encouraged single mothers to become entrepreneurs to increase their income.
He said they could apply for capital and assistance from the government to start a business.
“Though the government provides all the support, you (single mothers) have to work hard to make your business a success,” he added.
Dr Annuar also urged the association to organise programmes related to entrepreneurship to expose its members to opportunities provided by the government.
Among those present were PITWITS chairwoman Angela Sim and her deputy Luly Ganayang.