Early Years Strategic Plan Vital for Society’s Future

Fatimah (3rd from right) after having a meeting with Secretary of the Department of Education and Early Childhood (DEECD) Victoria, in Melbourne Richard Bolt (2nd from left), discussing on importance of Early Years Childhood devleopment and on working together between the two states of Victoria and Sarawak.

MELBOURNE: During her week long study visit to Australia, Minister in Welfare, Women and Family Development Datuk Hajah Fatimah Abdullah and Minister with watching brief in Education Sarawak, said that a good Early Years Strategic Plan is vital for the well being of children leading to a better society.

Fatimah had a meeting with Secretary of the Department of Education and Early Childhood (DEECD) Victoria, in Melbourne Richard Bolt, where she was given the opportunity to share on Victoria’s Early Years Strategic Plans which focus on well being, support and early learning strategies for children from pregnancy to 8 years old.

Fatimah believe that a good early years strategic plan such as that of Victoria’s is vital for the development of children with good outcomes for society’s future and Richard in his response to her, also expressed Victoria’s interest to work with Sarawak on early childhood and educational development.

Fatimah also conveyed on Sarawak’s wish to establish good links with Victoria’s school via networking or sister school program and this is well received by Richard who stated that Victoria is keen to expand their sister school program into Sarawak.

She later visited Eltham East Primary School and met with the Principal Cheryl Macnee, who expressed strong interest to establish sister school program with Sarawak school as she has earlier visited Kuching, Sarawak and met with Director of Australian Business Centre Rodger Chan.

The Department of Education and Early Childhood (DEECD) Victoria supports three Victorian Ministries, namely Ministry for Education, Ministry for Children and Early Childhood Development and Ministry for Housing and Ministry for Higher Education and Skills. 

Fatimah and delegation also attended a presentation and briefing by Executive Director of Early Years and Primary Reform Executive of DEECD Susan McDonald on Victoria’s “Early Years Strategic Plan 2014-2020” aiming at improving outcomes for all Victorian children.  

The strategic plan focus on a great start for all Victorians through high quality early learning and support for parents and communities.   

Getting a great start in life makes a world of difference to a person’s ability to thrive at school, stay healthy and socially connected, and contribute to society.  

Fatimah felt that a similar strategic plan or master plan ought to be prepared for Sarawak for the proper development of early childhood development in Sarawak and ultimately for the better good of society and Sarawak future. 

A follow-up meeting was held between Fatimah and Deputy secretary of DEECD Sonia Sharp and Executive Director, International Division Sue Christophers.    

Besides Early Years Strategic Plan, Fatimah stated that the following are also to be followed-through by the two respective government: sister school program, Young Victorian leaders outreach program as well as University places for Sarawakian civil servants and students.

The 15 members delegation accompanying Fatimah include Assistant Minister of Early Childhood Education & Family Development Hajah Rosey Yunus, Assistant Minister of Welfare Robert Lawson Chuat, Permanent Secretary of Ministry in Welfare, Women and Family Development Rodziah Morshidi, Director of Islamic Education Bureau Datu Dr Haji Adi Badiozaman Tuah, Director of Women Bureau Noriah Ahmad, Director of Welfare Department Haji Abang Shamshudin Abang Seruji, Head Sector of Private and Special Education Sector Vendery Nata, Director of Australian Business Centre Rodger Chan Siong Boh and a number of senior Ministry’s staffers. -Sarawakiana