Dennis trying his luck at one of the stalls at the carnival.
LONG MIRI, Baram: The enrolment rate of children in most of the schools in the interior of Baram has dwindled.
Expressing his concern to teachers and school staff at the opening of SK Long Miri School Carnival on Saturday, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau disclosed that the declining number of children in schools in his constituency was caused by several factors.
He said this might be due to the negative mindset of rural parents and also the social and economic standstill in the interior.
“The other reason may be due to dropouts while another reason is due to the mass rural to urban migration. Whatever the reasons, the fact is that there is a worrying decline in the number in many primary schools in the constituency,” he said.
Therefore, he urged teachers to help create greater awareness of the importance of education for the future of their children among residents.
Pointing out there is a need to drum the message across about the problems that can crop up in future, he said: “There are still those who think that life can still go on without education. That sort of complacent mentality is not healthy. Without a good education, it will be very difficult to face the increasing challenges brought about by advancement in society as it will be difficult to get jobs that can offer decent and steady income.”
Dennis also urged rural-based teachers to keep themselves updated on the latest developments in both the state and country, especially regarding socio-economic development.
Earlier, deputy headmaster Rezina Malik, in her welcoming speech, disclosed that SK Long Miri had proven it could outperform schools in urban areas despite shortcomings like lack of facilities and amenities.
She said the school’s academic and co-curriculum performance had improved significantly.
Dennis in his remarks, said: “I believe the success of the school is due to the spirit, commitment and dedication of teachers, non-academic staff, students and parents.”
“Despite weaknesses, you strived to do your best. Despite facing many challenges and hardships, you fly high. The future is in your hands so be prepared with all the knowledge and skills if you want to be successful and bring change not only in your own life, but that of your family and the community around you,” he added.
He praised the school, teachers and parents for doing their best to motivate and support students.
The carnival was to raise funds for the school’s activities and development of education in the school.
“Although the amount might be small and does not justify the efforts, we cannot give you more…see it as fuel to burn the spirit and determination to pursue.
“We do whatever we can for education.”
Present at the ceremony was Long Miri community leader and the school’s Parent-Teacher Association chairman Tinggang Pahang.