District 3310 assistant governor Leslie Phuan (second left) presents the solar lighting sets to a villager as Rotary Club of Kuching Central president Clarence Yong (left) and Rotary Club of Kelana Jaya president CB Tan look on.
MIRI: Eight Rotary clubs from Districts 3300 and 3310 were recently involved in ‘Gift of Light 2017’ – a joint solar project meant to bring ‘light’ to 61 Penan households at Long Belok in Telang Usan.
Seventeen Rotarians took part in the two-day programme, led by District 3310 Governor Michael Yee and past district governor Lim Kok Beng of the Foundation of Malaysia Rotary Clubs – in which, they donated solar panel sets and solar-powered torchlights to the villagers.
Moreover, they also donated essential items such as rice, biscuits, medical and dental kits, books and stationery supplies to the Penans.
According to their spokesperson, the project was actually initiated by the Rotary Club of Kelana Jaya (Distric 3300).
“Subsequently, it was successfully implemented with project partner, Rotary Club of Kuching Central. Other participating clubs were Rotary Club of Damansara West, Rotary Club of Puchong Centennial, Rotary Club of Tanjung Bungah, Rotary Club of Bandar Seri Begawan and the newly-chartered Rotary Club of Miri Oil Town. The Foundation of Malaysia Rotary Clubs is the co-sponsor for the joint solar project in partnership with Focus On Sarawak.”
The spokesperson also said the aim of the project was to assist the Penans to adapt to modern living and at the same time, boost their productivity and facilitate their change of lifestyle.
“This project indirectly gives positive impact on education of the (Penan) school-going children, by providing them with reading light so that they could study better and longer, as well as spend more time with their parents and siblings in various educational activities.
“Also by using the solar-powered LED lighting, this enhances safety and reduces the risk of accidental fires caused by kerosene lamps.”
A spokesperson of Rotary Club of Kuching Central, meanwhile, hoped to be able to continue collaborating with other Rotary clubs in more meaningful projects to serve the community, particularly those involving provision of solar lighting systems to the lower income groups and those in the rural areas.
“We welcome for any assistance and collaboration in future similar projects. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/kuchingcentral.”