MIRI: The “Program Jalinan Mesra Peribumi Zon Baram (Marudi)”, a friendly networking initiative for indigenous students, concluded successfully on June 21.
Held from June 18 at SK Good Shepherd, the programme involved 130 students and 22 teachers from 11 schools in the Marudi area.
This initiative, sponsored by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), was organised by the Malaysian Institute of Teacher Education Sarawak Campus (IPGMKSarawak) and aimed to foster educational development in rural Sarawak.
The programme’s success is a testament to its collaborative efforts, featuring contributions from teachers, lecturers, and local community members.
Distinguished participants included an Excellent English Teacher, and outstanding lecturers in Malay, Mathematics, and Physical and Health Education teachers who provided invaluable insights and guidance.
Those participating schools were SK Good Shepherd, SK Sungai Setapang, SK Dato Sharif Hamid, SK Lubok Nibong, SK Poyut, SK Sungai Brit, SK Sungai Arang, SK Rumah Gudang, SJK Sungai Jaong, SJKC Hua Nam, SJKC Chung Hua and SMK Marudi.
Amongst the key highlights were sessions to improve students’ proficiency in core subjects such as English, Malay, Science, and Mathematics.
Additionally, motivational talks and visual arts education workshops provided by SMK Marudi, fostering creativity and ambition among students besides sharing of best pedagogical practices and strategies for effective classroom teaching and learning.
The programme underscored the importance of partnerships, bringing together the Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), the District Education Office (PPD), and IPGMKSarawak to enhance educational resources and expertise in rural areas.
Baram District education officer Matthew Laing Ngau officiated the closing ceremony, stressing the programme’s role in bridging educational gaps between urban and rural students.
He commended the collective efforts of educators and the community in providing quality education to indigenous students.
Since its inception in 2016, the programme has been pivotal in transforming education in rural Sarawak.
This year’s initiative, with the establishment of a Teaching School, allowed IPGMKSarawak lecturers to share innovative teaching practices and apply the latest educational theories.
