The Education Motivation Programme was conducted last Saturday on 28/06/08 as planned. The facilitators comprises Special Studies Group (SSG) and DAM members from Miri, supported by other Iban Professionals from other agencies who had willingly came and supported the programme. We must admit that the response was exceptional in many ways.

Firstly the welcoming ceremony accorded was fitting for the VVIP ~ at least 30 dancers in full traditional costumes performing the “Ngajat Ngelalu ke Temuai” alongside the Sape and Taboh beat. Nyau asai ke dah nyadi YB bala kami sebuat…nevertheless, it demonstrated their deep appreciation toward our effort & contribution.

We wish to thank the following for their commitment:
1. Dr Dusit Jaul ~ Education toward Excellence etc (INTAN Kuching)
2. Dr Chemaline Osup ~ Parenting in New Millenium (Lecturer, Institut Perguruan Rejang)
3. Paul Sliong ~ Toward achieving Greater Heights (Citibank, Kuala Lumpur)
4. Diana Singgar ~ Womens Role in Engineering (Technical Service Engineer- DAM Youth)

We also wish to thank the Principal, Dr. Lambat Lindong and his staff for his leadership in making the event a success. Also to our ever loyal travelling team mate from the DAM Youth Wing (Rodrick, Jimmy Mawar and Donny Joseph) who make the trip to Betong a success.

Also a big thank to Pegari Iban Production Team led by Johnny Chuat, whose presence did excite the crowd anticipating some coverage in Pegari next edition. Reaching Betong at 2.30 am, the session started at 08.00 am, the team hardly had enough rest, but the grand welcome energised the team to start early.

The audience comprise of parents, teachers and students (numbering approx 350-400). Responses from the parents were very encouraging (despite being a Green Field) especially when the Wawasan 2020 was being presented (there was defeaning silence initially and few parents were seen taking down notes).

The sharing by Dr. Dusit, Dr. Chemaline and Diana Singgar’s paper were well received and served as eye-opener to many including teachers.

Martin Entamin
Vice President
Dayak Association Miri