By JJ/SoccomSMPP
PENAMPANG – St Michael’s Parish, Penampang continues to move forward in faith and mission with the construction of a new, purpose-built preschool complex for Tadika Harmoni. Designed with a modern landscape concept and able to accommodate up to 500 students, the project, estimated to cost RM9 million, began earlier in 2025 and represents a significant investment in the formation of future generations.
The new building is strategically located on church land at the rear of St Michael’s Church, Penampang, below the hill, providing a safe, accessible, and conducive environment for early childhood education. Recently, Dec 20, 2025, the project site was visited by Archbishop John Wong, accompanied by the Parish Priest, Fr Wilfred Atin, and Third Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, YB Datuk Ewon Benedict, together with members of the school’s main committee, after the tea reception following the official blessing of the Evangelists Chapel, the renovated annex of St Michael’s Church. Their presence reflected strong ecclesial and governmental support for the project.
Tadika Harmoni is one of the two kindergartens under St Michael’s Parish, alongside Tadika Suriaku at St Aloysius, Limbanak, Together, these mission schools form an integral part of the Church’s outreach, nurturing young minds with strong moral, spiritual, and educational foundations.
Fundraising efforts for the new Tadika Harmoni complex began with a Charity Dinner at Putera Ballroom, Bukit Padang, in Nov 2024, followed by raffle ticket sales in early 2025, and various other programs that are still ongoing. To date, approximately RM1 million has been raised. While much effort is still required to achieve the overall target, the parish community remains steadfast, united, and hopeful.
Read full story in Catholic Sabah Vol 69 No 02 dated Jan 18 2026.
