4 days ago
Baram MP urges parents to ensure children complete tertiary education
Anyi (front row, fifth left) cuts the ribbon to symbolically launch PKLA's Family Day event at the Miri City Council field, Jalan Padang, on Saturday. Also seen are Boyce (fourth left), Raymond (sixth left) and other distinguished guests.
MIRI (June 29): Parents must play a proactive role in ensuring their children complete their education up to tertiary level for a better future, said Baram MP Datuk Anyi Ngau.
He stressed that parents should not simply give in to their children's wishes if they choose to drop out of school, but instead guide and encourage them to stay the course.
'There were instances where I met parents who said their children no longer wanted to attend school, and they just followed what the children wanted.
'Parents must take the lead. They must ensure their children continue their studies and, if possible, go on to obtain a degree,' he said when officiating the Kenyah Lepo Aga Miri Association's (PKLA) Family Day at the Miri City Council field here yesterday.
Anyi pointed out that, unlike the past, there are now many educational opportunities made available by the government, especially the Sarawak government, including free tertiary education for Sarawakian students, which will start next year.
'Today's parents are in a much better position. There are more opportunities and awareness of the importance of education. It is up to us to make sure our children make the most of what is available,' he said.
He therefore called on all parents to seize the opportunities and encourage their children to pursue education to at least degree level.
At the same time, Anyi touched on the importance of community associations in safeguarding the welfare of their members, including supporting the educational pursuits of their children.
'In the past few weeks, I have attended programmes organised by various associations that gave incentives to children who performed well in school.
'I hope the PKLA can follow this example and consider giving incentives to outstanding students among its members as encouragement and motivation,' he said.
Regarding the family day event, Anyi described the programme as a good initiative to be held annually as it helps strengthen unity and solidarity among members.
'It is not only a platform to foster closer ties among members but also serves to bring together the wider Kenyah Lepo Aga community.
'The association should strive for consistency by making this an annual event to preserve our culture and collective spirit,' he said.
Anyi also commended the organising committee led by Long Selawan this year for successfully gathering members from four Lepo Aga villages — Long Jeeh, Long Selawan, Long Silat and Long Teran Kanan B — for the event.
Approximately 1,000 members attended the one-day programme.
During the event, Anyi announced a RM15,000 grant for the organising committee as a show of support for the annual gathering.
Among those present were organising chairman Boyce Ngau Anyi and PKLA chairman Cr Raymond Apoi. anyi ngau Kenyah Lepo Aga Miri Association's Family Day lead
