SIBU: The city is the latest in Sarawak to sign up for Unicef’s Child Friendly Cities initiative, following Miri, Kuching South, Kuching North and Padawan.
“Through this journey, Sibu will transform into a city where every child enjoys every right, and no one is left behind,” Unicef Malaysia Social Policy chief Dr Juanita Vasquez Escallon said at the signing of the memorandum of understanding with Sibu Municipal Council here on Monday (Aug 14).
According to the 2020 Census, 20.9% of Sibu’s population are children below the age of 14.
As a child-friendly city, Sibu would improve children’s lives by having safer neighbourhoods, efficient school and health systems, and enhanced infrastructure for the community.
Council chairman Clarence Ting said in creating a child-friendly city, it would focus on various aspects including urban planning, infrastructure and community engagement.
“We want to build a Sibu where children have a good start in life, grow up feeling safe and cared for, and have opportunities to express their opinions and influence decisions on issues that affect them.
“As a city, we are still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and movement control order. This initiative will ensure we rebuild well,” he added.
State Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Michael Tiang said the initiative is not just an idealistic vision but a practical necessity.
“By fostering environments that put children’s needs at the forefront, we are not only shaping the future of our cities but also the future of our society.
“Let us work together to build a Sibu that is truly worthy of our children’s dreams.
“Let us envision Sibu (as a place) where every child has the opportunity to flourish, regardless of background or circumstances,” he added.
SIBU: The city of Sibu in Sarawak has signed up for Unicef’s Child Friendly Cities initiative, joining Miri, Kuching South, Kuching North, and Padawan. This initiative aims to create a city where every child enjoys their rights and is not left behind. The memorandum of understanding was signed between Unicef Malaysia and Sibu Municipal Council on Monday (Aug 14), with Dr Juanita Vasquez Escallon, Unicef Malaysia Social Policy chief, expressing her hopes for the transformation of Sibu. According to the 2020 Census, around 20.9% of Sibu’s population consists of children below the age of 14. As a child-friendly city, Sibu will focus on improving various aspects such as safer neighborhoods, efficient school and health systems, and enhanced infrastructure for the community. Clarence Ting, the council chairman, emphasized the importance of urban planning, infrastructure, and community engagement in creating a child-friendly city. He stated the goal is to build a Sibu where children start their lives well, feel safe and cared for, and have a say in decisions that affect them. Ting also highlighted the significance of this initiative in Sibu’s post-pandemic recovery. Michael Tiang, the State Deputy Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Minister, emphasized that the Child Friendly Cities initiative is not just an idealistic vision but a practical necessity. By prioritizing children’s needs and creating suitable environments, the initiative shapes not only the future of the cities but also the society as a whole. Tiang urged everyone to work together to make Sibu a place where every child has the opportunity to thrive regardless of their background or circumstances. The signing of the memorandum of understanding marks a step forward for Sibu in becoming a child-friendly city and ensuring a brighter future for its youngest residents.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
