Speedy (seated centre) and his SDEA committee.
SIBU: Newly-formed Sarawak Dayak Educators Association (SDEA) has emerged as the bridge between the education authority and Dayak teachers and students.
According to SDEA president Speedy Bena, the association’s objective is to assist those scattered in the interior.
“SDEA will cooperate with and assist the relevant authorities not only in resolving education issues, but also bringing Dayak education to a higher level, especially among our rural students.
“The association will work together with other Dayak non-governmental organisations (NGOs) towards this objective,” he told reporters after the association’s inaugural meeting at a hotel here last Saturday, where there was also the election fo SDEA office-bearers and appointed zone representatives.
About 100 Dayak teachers from across the state attended the meeting, which saw 316 teachers being chosen as pioneer members.
Of the 316 teachers, 86 are from Sibu, 59 from Julau, 40 Sarikei, 36 from Selangau, 21 from Bintulu/Tatau, 17 from Sri Aman and 10 from Samarahan, while the rest are from Kapit, Limbang, Kuching, Baram, Kanowit, Miri, Serian, Meradong and Betong.
Speedy was happy with the turnout – a sign of acceptance of the association by Dayak teachers.
“They represent other teachers who could not attend the meeting, and it shows their commitment to development of their community,” he said.
The SDEA, since August last year, has assisted two Dayak students encountering financial difficulties in getting into Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).
Recently, SDEA conducted an ‘Interview Training Session’ in Kuching to assist 135 interim teachers. The co-organiser was Universiti Malaya Dayak Alumni Association (Padum).
A similar session will be held at Kingwood Hotel here on March 23 and 24, where SDEA will address the shortage of Iban language teachers and other issues pertaining to Dayak educators and students.
Those appointed as zone representatives are Ralp Rampai Malong for Selangau, Sabarudin Maleh (Song), Philip Beginda (Kapit), Augustine Lim Entoi (Sarikei), Nicholas Renang (Meradong), Dennis Jugah (Sri Aman), Gani Egit (Bintulu), Thomas Legak Benjamin (Julau), Etam Linggie (Kanowit), Aphong Entri (Sibu), Henry Chukan (Meradong), Jelia Meleyu (Limbang), Johnny Gira (Baram) and Asun Gani (Serian).