Over 400 pupils from Batu Lintang ‘learn-to-swim’ for six months
KUCHING: More than 400 students from nine primary schools in the Batu Lintang state constituency will benefit from the ‘Water Life’ Learn-ToSwim programme.
Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How said the programme commenced on Feb 1 and will run for six months with the participation of 48 students each from four primary schools for the first half of the year.
“I am pleased to organise this programme with project partner Akademi Renang Bestari and Chung Hua Primary School No. 6 Alumni Association.
“The four initial schools are SK Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, SK Green Road, Chung Hua Primary School No.6 and SK Combined,” he told reporters at the Aquatic Excellence Centre, Youth and Sports Department Sarawak’s Sports Complex along Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce yesterday.
Five other schools that will participate in the programme for the second half of the year are SJK(C) St Paul, SK St Paul, SK Tabuan Jaya, SK Batu Lintang and SK Sungai Maong Hilir.
“I have spoken to the Sarawak Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) about this programme and he is supportive of it.
“The funds (about RM20,000) to run this programme will come from the Sarawak government,” said See.
This is also the first such programme implemented by a state assemblyman in his constituency and See hopes to develop it as a model for other people’s representatives in Sarawak.
“The programme is aimed at helping the B40 families and getting their children involved in sports.
“Sports is not only a way to stay physically and mentally healthy fit but are also essential for a child’s overall growth and development.
“They teach our children life skills such as teamwork, leadership, accountability, patience, self confidence and prepares them to face life challenges,” he added.
The objectives of the programme are to teach the children water safety, basic swimming skills, confidencebuilding, developing physical fitness and life skills.
At the end of the six-month programme, a water carnival will be held for participating schools in games and swimming competition to evaluate how much of the objectives have been realised.