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KUCHING: SeDidik, a child care organisation under the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), has, for the first time, established a partnership with the private sector to extend its services.
Following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed yesterday, Boulevard Hypermarket (Kuching) Sdn. Bhd. is now offering one-stop child care centre at the fourth level of the shopping mall.
SEDC chairman Datuk Talib Zulpilip has described the collaboration as a "new concept and great teamwork" to provide convenience to parents, particularly those working at the shopping mall and the residents nearby.
"This is an open minded way to do things because lifestyle has changed. Dropping children at a child care centre near one's workplace is not only convenient but also time-saving.
"Having security guards around the mall means a safe environment is provided for children, who can't simply go
out of the centre or get near to the main road," he said when opening the new centre known as SeDidik@Boulevard One-Stop Centre at Boulevard Shopping Mall Level Four here.
SEDC has 59 similar centres operating throughout the state.
Talib, who is also Assistant Minister of Tourism, believed that similar concepts would be adopted at more shopping complexes or commercial areas due to the rising demand of a changing lifestyle.
"During my time, parents were busy and there were no play schools. So, some of us did not have the chance to receive preschool education.
"Nowadays parents are even busier and that is why the management of Boulevard has come up with the idea to provide care and education for children," he said, adding that the shopping mall offered ample parking bays.
Earlier, Boulevard Hypermarket (Kuching) Sdn Bhd managing director Dennis Lee said the centre offered convenience of modern lifestyle as many young parents were professionals or qualified personnel, who both worked.
"They seek early education venues like SeDidik One-Stop Centre where they can entrust their children for various forms of care and teaching, picking them up after work.
"Before going home, they can enjoy the convenience of getting their daily provisions, household needs, or dine at one of the restaurants or at our food court," he said.
Lee pointed out that besides educational activities, toddlers and children of SeDidik centre at Boulevard would have the privilege of exclusive use of the playground for an hour or two daily.
"We believe that our playground, spanning an area of 3,500 square feet, provides children a wonderful venue for fun and happy time.
"They can exercise as well as develop their young mind in creative and skillful ways," he said.
Services available at the centre include kindergarten programme, day-care service, before and after school care service, drop-in, Mandarin classes and ICT skills.
The centre is expected to be in full operation starting next month.
For the time being, it offers only drop-in service, which is charged RM5 for first hour, RM4 for second hour and RM3 for subsequent hours after the second. The centre, manned by four staff, is capable of accommodating 40 children at any one time.
For more information, the public are advised to call Hamidah Etli at 082-343615 or 082-346859 (Fax). Among those present were SeDidik general manager Sulzari Mohamed and Boulevard Group of Companies chief executive officer Don Yew.
Borneo Post
25/01/2010 |
