Learning programme bears fruit — MP

KOTA SAMARAHAN: A Service Learning Programme conducted by Higher Learning Institution (IPT) students benefited 10 villages and 20 schools here during its implementation last year.

Kota Samarahan Member of Parliament Rubiah Wang revealed this to the media while attending Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak’s Tun Abdul Razak Library (PTAR) Customer Appreciation Day 2017 yesterday.

“The programme involved students of Information Technology (IT) courses in local IPTs in Samarahan including Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Tun Abdul Razak Campus Teachers’ Education Institute and UiTM.

“These IPT students will translate their theory lessons into practical sessions with villagers and school students. So far we received a positive response from the villagers as they are able to get free training from the IPT students,” Rubiah said.

This includes sessions on learning computer software and mobile applications such as WhatsApp, Facebook, email and others.

“Some of the participating villages took the opportunity to create their own website on which they can share about various activities held in their respective village as well as the history of the village. Among these villages are Kampung Sindang, Kampung Tanjung Parang and Kampung Pinang.

“The IPT students will conduct the training session a minimum of three times but some also conduct up to nine sessions with the villagers,” she disclosed.

She also said that for this year’s programme, the number of target villages and schools will be reduced due to less students enrolled in the IT course in the second semester compared to the number of students last year.

“Last year, the number of participating students who took IT courses was more than 380, but this year we only have over 30 students.

“We have a target village which has been given the positive response to undergo the advanced course since we have Internet centres. Therefore, I also suggested that UiTM open its library for the public to utilise library services,” she emphasised.

Meanwhile, on the progress of the Samarahan bridge, Rubiah said it was expected to be completed by the end of February 2018.

“It is supposed to be completed in January 2018 but according to the latest report, there was some delay with regards to the pillars as well as due to weather conditions and river currents.

“The issue of pillars has been resolved and now they are in the process of installing the beams to connect the bridge. For now the cost remains at RM97 million but we cannot expect that there might not be additional work to do,” she said.