Dennis (standing eighth left) together with the students, community leaders and invited guests pose for a group photograph after the presentation ceremony.
LONG PUAK, Baram: Solar Light, an invention of a group of university students, gives light and hope to the Orang Ulu community at a longhouse in Long Puak, middle Baram.
Although simple, the portable Solar Light means a lot to the 23-door longhouse, said Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
“Your invention not only gives them the light that brightens their night but give hope for a brighter future. You and your invention will bring change to their lves,” he said, commending students of Curtin University and universities from other countries under Aiesec programme for selecting the longhouse for the project.
“I believe and am confident that you are able to bring and play some part and contribute to changes in the community and environment. What you need is to be positive and confident that you are able to do something that leads to change and betterment to the community, environment and yourselves,” added Dennis at the presentation of the Solar Light at the longhouse rently.
Under the programme, the students stayed with foster families where they were exposed to the culture and lifestyle of the people by taking part in daily activities of the community in the longhouse such as cooking, going to the farm, jungle and river besides leisure and cultural activities.
“You have been exposed to the simple life of the community in the interior of Baram in the background of hardship due to inadequate infrastructure and amenities. Due to geography and topography, the longhouses and villages are scattered, it is a challenge for us (government) to provide them with the necessities they need badly,” he said.
Although challenged by the topography and geography of the area, the government was committed to bring changes and to improve the quality and standard of living of the community in the interior, Dennis said.
“If it takes time and is costly…the government will be looking at the alternative to provide them with the necessities.
“I’m sure your experience living in a longhouse and with your foster families in the interior is an exposure and brings change not only to you but also the local and global communities. On behalf of the communities, I thank you for your contribution. The most important thing is to share your experience here with your family and friends when you are back in your home country,” reminded Dennis.