TAMBUNAN: The wife of Deputy Chief Minister I, Datin Seri Cecelia Edwin Kitingan suggested that the collaboration between institutions and the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority should continue in further empowering women as the main driving force of the family and national development.
She said cooperation could create collaboration between two organisations to strengthen relations, increase consensus and the bonds of friendship between the community and people of the institution concerned.
“Women’s empowerment is the basis for bridging the gender gap where the role of women is very significant in life,” she said when closing the Community College Open Day in conjunction with the Sedia Outreach Programme with the College here.
She said implementation of this programme is an initiative to help women to acquire knowledge which could be used to improve the skills of the participants and generate income.
“I am confident that through this programme, many positive impacts could be obtained for the local community, especially in efforts to empower women to generate income after completing the course,” she said who is Patron of Mondopitan Sabah Organisation.
Besides, she said initiatives like this could attract the interests of not only students but also the local community to make the Community College as destination of choice for improving knowledge.
“This programme coincides with Independence celebrations through various activities that can foster the spirit of love for the country,” she said.
She said the programme aimed to expand the role of Community College as a skills training centre through lifelong learning (PSH) as well as strengthen the cooperation between Tambunan Community College and Sedia.
She added the programme could produce woman entrepreneurs in traditional handicrafts and at the same time improve the socio-economic status of rural residents, especially in Tambunan, further cultivating the creative arts of traditional handicrafts in Sabah.
“There are four free courses sponsored by Sedia especially for women in this district, namely Sinombiaka Basic Embroidery Course, Woven Basket Making Course, Traditional Bead Embroidery Basic Course and Lipbaim or Aromatherapy Making Course.
“Several interesting activities have been carried out including the walk-in registration of new students for session I 2023/2024, lifelong learning courses (children and adults), children’s singing and colouring competitions,” she said.
Cecelia said, mobile bizrider motorcycle sponsorship registration (SPR Alumni), Agricultural Drone Program registration (SAT Alumni), MyFutureJobs Perkeso job search exhibition, Tambunan hospital blood donation, external agency exhibition, sales booth, lucky draw and mini funfair were also held.
Also present were Director of Tambunan Community College Janet Longgat, Sedia Human Capital Development Sector Chief Officer Janet Lee Oi Chin, District Officer Sobitun Makajil, Director of Penampang Community College Jominin Goropos and Tambunan Community Development Leader Alexius Kiob.
— Johan Aziz