Tuesday is English day for Sabah schools

TUARAN: The Sabah Education Department has launched an English Day Programme and announced Tuesdays will be observed as 'English Day' for the education community, including those working in education offices.
Its director, Datuk Jame Alip said it was highly recommended for school management to create an environment to provide more opportunities for students to communicate in English.
"At the same time, English-language teachers should improve their teaching methods to arouse interest among students and encourage the use of English outside the classroom, via core curricular activities, and have continuous campaigns to promote reading extensively in English.
"We are going to strengthen the existing programmes in school and at the same time, we are encouraging those who are in the Sabah Education Department and district education offices to use English, especially on Tuesdays," he said at the launch of the programme here today.
He said the programme was in line with upholding the Malay Language and Strengthen the English Language policy.
"We need to ensure the usage of the Malay Language as a medium of communication in all national and secondary schools and ensure that each child can master both Malay and English languages."
Meanwhile, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the state government was committed in ensuring improvement in the proficiency of English among students and would work hand-in-hand, especially with the state education department.
"We hope this will reduce the gap between rural and urban areas and improve achievement among students," he said in a speech read by state tourism, culture and environment minister Datuk Masidi Manjun at the launch of the programme. – Bernama