Preparing Them Early
On the 12^th November 2011, our association organised a one day seminar for form Two and Form Four students of SMK Lubok Antu. The Seminar was attended by more than 300 students as well as their parents. This program is part of association’s outreach program to the rural areas. This particular program was made possible through financial support by YB William Nyalau Badak, the Member Parliament for Lubok Antu.

At this seminar, four papers were presented; motivation and career development by Dr. Lambat Lindong, tips and techniques of mastering maths by Mr. David Steven and Mr. Lai Ngee Kiok, education financing by representative of Yayasan Sarawak and nurturing early interests in sciences by Dr. Richard Belanda Dagang. The main objective of having this seminar is to prepare students early for their PMR and SPM examinations.

Other than the President, the following EXCOs and Women Committee members attended the program.

• Mdm Noelle Lily Morse (Deputy President)
• Mr Tamoi Janggu (Treasurer General)
• Mr William Wright Howell (Asst. Treasurer General)
• Mr Robert Tuat (Program’s MC)
• Dr Richard Belanda Dagang (Organising Chairman for this program)
• Ms Hazelina Samuel (Chairman, Women Committee)
• Mr Stalin Johneny
• Ms Lucia Samuel
• Mdm Marie Joanna Buma
• Ms Caroline Inya
• Ms Conniee Dorsie (Administrative Assistant)

·   In his opening remarks, SDGA President, Dr. Dusit Jaul reminded students and parents that higher education is a cause worth pursuing. The global market place recognised talented individuals and education is the doorway that opens the path for Dayak to be part of the global workforce. Being in rural setting like Lubok Antu should not become a stumbling block for students not to perform well academically. The important thing is that students mmust have a burning desire to succeed in life. It is much better to struggle now in early part of life than to be stragglers later. I the knowledge-based economy, education is a powerful tool for self empowerment. Dayak students must seize on the plentiful opportunity available to get the best education for themselves. 

·   In the evening, the entourage proceeded to Ng. Spaya, a 52 door longhoue along Sungai Engkari. Here, another program was organised Mdm. Noelle Lily Morse reminded parents of the danger of their daughters befriending foreigners as some of our girls have been used as drug mules. Mr. President reninded the longhouse folks as to the danger of being complacent. We Dayak must be aware of the changes taking place around us and respond appropriately. Mdm Marie Joana Buma talked about the need for perseverance as an important elemant to be successful in our endeavour. Dr. Richard Belanda Dagang, himself a local, invited parents to monitor closely their children’s schooling, more so in this particular longhouse where educational achievement had been quite poor.

     The association thanks everybody who has contributed to the success of this outreach program.

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