BARAM, Oct 11: Ensuring that every individual has access to quality education is a fundamental principle.
In response to the significant educational challenges faced by the Penan community of Long Jenalong in Ulu Baram, Petronas launched a five-year, RM2.75 million project from 2015 to 2020.
This initiative aimed to uplift education within the community, providing opportunities for both children and illiterate adults.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the nearest school was situated in a different village, making access to education a challenging and expensive endeavor for the community.
“At first, sending our children to school was a real challenge. But when Petronas built the pre-school, it brought hope to us. It was a turning point as our children could attend preschool right in our village.
“Previously, it was tough, as the trip to Long Bedian Village cost RM3 for an adult and RM2 for a child. We no longer face those difficulties,” shared Ugat Kong, the village head of Long Jenalong, during a visit by Petronas and media to Ulu Baram.
Petronas has established five preschools in five villages: Ba Selulong, Long Kawa, Long Leng, Long Kerangan And Long Jenalong, in collaboration with the Ministry Of Women, Childhood, And Community Wellbeing Development.
These facilities provide Penan children with the opportunity to acquire essential skills before entering primary school.
Atika Fazila, a 23-year-old teacher in Long Jenalong, faced the unique challenge of instructing both children and illiterate adults.
Nevertheless, her determination coupled with the positive mindset of the parents, turned this into a successful endeavour.
Atika pointed out that the ‘Kelas Dewasa Ibu Bapa Orang Asli Dan Penan’ (KEDAP) programme, which began this year, aimed to provide illiterate parents, a platform for learning, emphasizing that it’s never too late to start learning and improving their lives.
“They are like children starting from scratch, so I have to be patient when teaching them. KEDAP was initiated under SEDIDIK this year as a platform for illiterate parents to receive an education.
“With the importance of education, children at home can seek help from their parents, and since the parents are also getting an education, they can assist their children in their studies. It’s a two-way learning process,” Atika added.
The Penan Pre-School Project in Baram, Miri, represents an innovative initiative that promotes inclusivity in education.
While the older generation in Baram may not have had the same educational opportunities, the unwavering commitment of Petronas, the ministry, and the hopeful spirit of the Penan community have paved the way for a brighter future.
The initiative stands as an inspiring testament to the profound impact that determined individuals and organisations can make on the lives of long-underserved populations.
During the visit, Petronas Head of Media Communications (Sarawak) Johannes Ridu,SSGP Operation Support Stakeholder Management Manager M Samad Ahmad and members of the media were also present to witness the positive changes taking place. – TVS
