Minister: Improvements seen in number of kids graduating from OSEIC in Sarawak

Fatimah (seated, centre) highlights some points during a press conference in Kuching, together with members of the advisory committee for OSEIC Sarawak. – Photo by Kentigern MingguKUCHING (April 9): The number of children graduating from Sarawak’s One-Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC) has steadily increased since the end of 2022, bringing the total number of graduates to 297 as of April this year.In this regard, Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said 133 children had graduated this year alone from the two OSEICs currently operating in Sarawak — each in Kuching, and Dalat.

“From the 133, 25 will be entering mainstream education, 93 will join the Special Integrated Education Programme (PPKI), and 15 will proceed to Special Education National Schools (SKPK).“This is a truly encouraging and motivating development for us. I still remember one child from the 2025 cohort who confidently read aloud in front of the audience during the graduation ceremony.



“Can you imagine — from being unsure and lacking confidence, to standing before a crowd and reading fluently?“That is the kind of transformation that we are witnessing,” she said in a press conference, called after an OSEIC meeting here yesterday.The cumulative figures indicated that 26 children graduated in 2022, followed by 47 in 2023, 91 last year, and 133 year to date.In this aspect, Fatimah emphasised the importance of inclusion and equal access to education for all children, regardless of their abilities.

“OSEIC offers new hope to parents. With proper diagnosis and timely intervention, these children are able to enter formal education — just like any other child.“This is what we mean by inclusion.

These are children with special needs, yes, but with early diagnosis and appropriate support, they can access education like everyone else.”Fatimah also highlighted a positive shift in parental attitudes, noting that more parents and guardians had been coming forward to seek help and intervention for their children, which she viewed as ‘a significant change from the past, when many were hesitant to acknowledge their child’s special needs’.“More and more parents are now recognising the importance of seeking help.

They want their children to receive the necessary support so they can function independently and manage their daily routines, just like any other children.“This also enables us to nurture their potential.“As shown in the statistics, some of these children are even able to join mainstream education.

“That gives us hope,” she said.On another development, Fatimah said the state’s third OSEIC, to be in Miri, should be operational by the first quarter of next year.“The tender for OSEIC Miri is scheduled for July this year, following a redesign of the project.

“After the closing date, it would take about a month before the contract is awarded.“Construction is expected to take around five months. The implementing agency is the JKR (Public Works Department),” she said, adding the site for OSEIC Miri would be at the Tudan Commercial Centre.

“We’re utilising a shoplot, which would need to be renovated — similar to how this centre (OSEIC Kuching) was developed, which was originally a shoplot too.“It (OSEIC Miri) will be transformed to include activity rooms, therapy rooms, spaces for fine motor skills development, and more.“As it is a commercial building, safety is paramount, and all modifications must ensure a child-friendly, secure environment.

”In addition, Fatimah also welcomed participation from professionals who were keen on contributeing their expertise to OSEIC, particularly on a voluntary basis.“We welcome doctors, paediatricians, and therapists who are interested in volunteering their time. Services like these are vital for proper diagnosis and support for our children.

“Notably, there is a particular need for speech therapists.“Based on our data, the highest number of cases involved autism and speech-related conditions.“We highly encourage speech, occupational, and physiotherapists to come forward.

“We will offer appropriate compensations according to their specialisations. The more professionals we have, the better, especially with us currently facing a long waiting list,” added the minister.The post Minister: Improvements seen in number of kids graduating from OSEIC in Sarawak appeared first on Borneo Post Online.

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