TAMPARULI: Tuaran became the first education district in the country to embrace the prestigious leadership programme called The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in a holistic manner with 110 students selected for the Silver Award.
The students from 11 secondary schools in Tuaran are being sponsored by Yayasan Kepimpinan Momogun under the purview of United Pasok Momogum Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko).
Officiating at the launch of the programme at SMK Tamparuli here Monday, Upko acting president Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said the party saw the programme to be beneficial towards creating a younger generation with first class leadership quality.
“Leadership is not something that is only God given. The major part of leadership is nurtured, trained,” he said.
Towards this end, Tangau, who is Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, said Upko decided to set up Yayasan Kepimpinan Momogun and implement the Silver Award of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International leadership programme here last Saturday.
“That’s the context of this Yayasan aspiration. The call of leadership necessitates me and Upko to set up the foundation,” he said.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is available to all 14-24 years old, regardless of their background.
It was set up 60 years ago and introduced in Malaysia about 20 years ago but this was the first time that it was being implemented in an education district.
Over 60 years, the award has transformed the lives of millions of young people in more than 140 countries and territories worldwide.
Under the Silver Award, which is for those 15 and above, the programme was divided into four sections, namely:
*Service whereby participants volunteer in their communities, make a positive contribution to society and demonstrate social responsibility.
*Physical recreation that encourages young people to improve their fitness and performance, and enjoy healthy lifestyles for good mental and physical well-being.
*Skills that enable participants to develop their talents, broaden their abilities, increase their self-confidence and improve their employability.
*Adventurous journey that enables young people discover a spirit of adventure and gain a deeper understanding of the environment and the great outdoors.
Upon completion, participants will be presented with the award that opens up a whole lot of doors of opportunity for them as they proceed with their life journey.
Also on hand were founder of the programme in Malaysia, Datin Fauzirah Zainun, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Kepimpinan Momogun, Datuk Dr Laurentius Nayan Ambo; Tuaran Education Officer Tah Nia Jaman; SMK Tamparuli principal Jaya Silar and the 10 participating secondary school principals.