Give orphans more opportunities to join holistic devt programmes, says minister

MIRI (Feb 8): Orphans in Sarawak should be given opportunities to participate in the holistic development programmes that were designed specifically for them, said Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

He said programmes such as the ‘UPMS Outreach: Sinar Harapan’, organised by Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS), not only provided practical learning experiences for orphans but also helped open new pathways for a brighter and more secure future.

“Programmes like this offer a holistic development platform that covers character building, creativity, social skills, intellect, and identity formation.

“These elements are crucial in producing ethical, independent and competitive individuals,” he said during the closing ceremony of the outreach programme at Hamidah Yakub Welfare Complex here last Saturday.

Lee said that in spite of the challenges they faced, orphans possessed determination, perseverance, and a strong sense of responsibility, which were qualities that could serve as a firm foundation for achieving excellence and contributing towards state development.

The Senadin assemblyman also praised the UPMS team for successfully organising this event, and proposed they expand such programmes to rural areas.

Lee announced a RM3,000 grant to support the programme during the event, which was also attended byUPMS campus director Prof Dr Shahrul Razid Sarbini.