Ugak presents the aid to Ramona. Bangsa is at second left.
KAPIT: Longhouses in Baleh have been asked to emulate the Nanga Antawau Fund, which gives RM500 in aid to students from the area going to pursue tertiary studies.
Hulu Rajang MP Wilson Ugak Kumbong said village security and development committees should help students from their longhouses begin their educational journey.
“The world has changed and those without education would be left out. As your member of parliament, I want the parents, guardians and the community to give priority to their children’s education.
“Only when our children are armed with quality education and relevant discipline would they be able to compete successfully with others. Bear in mind investment in education to develop human resources is the best of all investments,” he said when presenting aid to the fund’s 41st recipient yesterday.
Recipient Ramona Charang Richard, 19, is a former SMK Kapit student who has been accepted for a management technology diploma at a college in Kuching.
Her parents are originally from Nanga Antawau, the last Iban longhouse at ulu Baleh River.
Meanwhile, fund secretary Bangsa Untang said the fund aims to help students with transport, registration and stationery costs.
The fund was started by successful members of the Nanga Antawau community a decade ago.