The Borneo Post, July 12, 2012
KUCHING: The Welfare, Women and Family Development Ministry granted RM5,000 starting fund to the Soroptimist International Club, Kuching Chapter (SI Kuching) in support of their work in helping women and the communities.
In her congratulatory note on the charter of SI Kuching, Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah was delighted that such respected organisation at international level was being set up here.
“I am grateful to know that the Soroptimist Kuching Club has the intention of being a ‘hands on club’ with a focus on rural women, girls and communities,” she said in an event at the 360 Hotel here last week.
Fatimah urged the club to carry out more projects that could make a big difference in the lives of rural girls, women and communities.
In addition, SI Kuching has been chosen to host the Soroptimist International South West Pacific region (SISWP) in 2014.
The major event, Fatimah said, would be an excellent opportunity to showcase SI’s work and introduce Sarawak to over 400 regional and international participants expected to join.
SI is one of the largest women’s service organisations in the world with over 95,000 members in 125 countries.
Among the notable projects that have already been carried out were providing Life Skills training to women who were low earners.
“Your signature project, which included financial education, is very important to uplift the lives of women in Sarawak. It could help build a brighter future for them and their families. And most importantly, these courses were designed by women for women!” Fatimah praised.
That apart, a 3-hour Leadership Workshop was conducted last Friday for Form 6 female students in a government school.
Also, the Club was looking into teaching recycling and hygiene education in a remote Kampung Sadir, Padawan area.
Fatimah hoped more of such workshops could be conducted in other schools to support the young girls.
“You have my full support and I look forward to hearing all about the wonderful work you will do to serve girls, women and communities in Sarawak,” Fatimah concluded.
Also at the event were a representative from SI Malaysia Datin Indira Naidu, SI Kuching president Audry Wan Ullok, SI South West Pacific president Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam and SI Region of Malaysia president Joanne Yeoh.
