SMK Wira Penrissen keeping up with tradition

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The Dayak community with Affandi (seated fifth left).

The Dayak community with Affandi (seated fifth left).

KUCHING: It has always been an admiration for the Dayak community serving in SMK Wira Penrissen to keep up with the tradition and initiative to treat their Chinese and Malay colleagues as well as those of other ethnic groups in the school to a special lunch in conjunction with Gawai Dayak.

Emulating the ‘ngabang’ culture of visiting close family members and friends, irrespective of their race and religion, the Dayak staff of SMK Wira Penrissen ushered the guests (staff) with their welcoming dance (Langgi Pengadap) into the school’s hall for the celebration.

The staff were treated to a wide variety of delicious traditional and modern dishes which included ‘ayam pansoh’ (chicken cooked in bamboo), ‘ulam’ (salad), fruits and other food.

The school’s Gawai Dayak celebration advisor, Kerine Gadep, in his welcoming speech, thanked the staff for their attendance and the organising committee for making the get-together one of the most memorable events in the school’s calendar.

The school principal, Affandi Rosli, who officiated at the function, noted greater cultural and mutual understanding among the multi-racial staff, which he said would augur well for better cooperation and bigger achievements.

The beat of the gongs and the unique traditional costumes blended with some contemporary Gawai Dayak songs brought about a celebrative atmosphere in this truly multi-racial SMK Wira Penrissen.