Archbishop John Wong is signing the plaque during the Opening Ceremony of Tadika Divine Mercy KKIP Nov 13. With him is Fr David Sham.
By Linda Edward
Nov 13 2021
KKIP, Sepanggar – What at first was an open space at the right wing of the Divine Mercy Church KKIP (since 2018) for children aged 4-6 years old to experience early childhood learning, has now evolved into a full functioning building with the completion of the new Tadika Divine Mercy. It has been fully utilized since January this year.
Due to the government restriction enforced by Movement Control Order (MCO) and its consecutive orders for most part of this year, the blessing of the new Tadika was postponed and finally officiated Nov 13 by Archbishop John Wong during the official by-invitation-only Opening Ceremony.
“A request from the people”, cited Fr David Sham describing the birth of the kindergarten within the KKIP area since 2018.
He likened the request of the people as an inspiration from God to have a kindergarten under the care of the Divine Mercy Church.
As a shepherd listening to his flock, Fr Sham began scouting for resources and a few generous individuals came forward to materialize ‘God’s project’, as Fr Sham described it.
While waiting for the completion of the new building, Tadika Divine Mercy KKIP started operating in April 2018 at the right wing of the church with a total of 52 children, divided into three classes which were separated by partitions.
Upon completion of the new building three years later – January 25 2021, all children, teachers and staffs have been utilizing the new facility since then.
The new Tadika Divine Mercy KKIP
“With the new building, the teachers and the Board of Governors (BOG) are enjoying better space now compared to the previous one,” said Pn Suchina Akang, chairperson of the Tadika BOG.
With this new facility “we hope to provide better education to the children to nurture their potential in all aspects of development, mastering basic skills, cultivating positive attitude, as preparation for them to enter the primary school,” Suchina added.
The new Tadika has six classrooms which can accommodate 150 children. As to date, it has registered 75 children. The staff comprises five teaching staff headed by Elvinah binti Kelan, a general clerk and a general worker.
Noting each classroom being named after a saint, Archbishop John Wong said he is very happy that the school took this initiative. On a pastoral note, he assured them that the saints will be guiding, protecting and blessing them in this new place.
The Board of Governors comprises Suchina Akang as Chairwoman, Romanus Piong as Vice Chairman, Boneventure James as Secretary, Rita Kliming as Treasurer and Rosemary A/k Jabu as the BOG member.
Also present at the opening ceremony were Fr Jalius Sading, spiritual adviser of Archdiocesan Early Childhood Education Commission (AECEC), AECEC coordinator Jennifer Anjek, chairman of Divine Mercy Development Committee Andreas Yungut Taliban, AECEC members, donors, members of the BOG and other invited guests.
