Bintulu’s Smart Support Team ensures education of flood victims not disrupted, including at evacuation centres

BINTULU (Jan 15): The Bintulu District Education Office (PPD Bintulu) has implemented a Smart Support Team initiative to ensure the continuity of education for students affected by flooding in the district.

Bintulu District Education officer Samri Suhaili said the programme focuses on assisting students through Home-based Teaching and Learning (PdPR), as well as conducting classes at the civic centre temporary evacuation centre (PPS), involving several secondary and primary schools.

He leads the programme together with officers from his office and educators from schools impacted by the floods.

“As part of the effort, PPD Bintulu has also identified boarding school students affected by the disaster and facilitated their return to their respective schools so they can continue learning in a more conducive environment.

“To support students’ emotional and mental well-being, guidance and counselling teachers are providing assistance in the form of group counselling and individual counselling sessions,” he said.

The initiative has the full cooperation of Bintulu Divisional Disaster Management Committee chairman Datu Nyurak Keti.

In addition, PPD Bintulu, in collaboration with the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Press Metal, has distributed school supplies such as bags, colour pencils, books, and other essentials to 162 students currently staying at the civic centre.