In this file photo Bedindang (second right) is seen proposing a toast with Jabu (centre) and others at the ‘Malam Main Asal & Jaku Iban’. At second left is Ensiring.
MIRI: The Dayak Association Miri (DAM) anticipates that 2014 will be a busy and challenging year, but it is geared up to face it.
First, it will be tasked to lead the ‘2014 Miri Divisional Pre- Gawai Celebration’, scheduled in May.
Secondly, it is working on an education programme on Iban language and culture in support of the study of the language in schools, colleges and universities, to be implemented in collaboration with organisations that share the interest.
The third task is – the Education Committee needs to look into ways on how to help rural schoolchildren improve their academic performance
and succeed in the Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) or Primary 6 public examination.
Those are the tough tasks ahead for DAM; nevertheless, its president Jonathan Bedindang said they would not be daunted nor discouraged – thus would strive to do their utmost to go through the hurdles to achieve the goal.
“The tasks ahead are tough and challenging.
“However, with the support and cooperation of all committee members, we hope the main Key Performance Index for 2014 could be achieved,” Bedindang vowed.
The president said this when asked by The Borneo Post recently on their resolutions for the New Year.
To a question, Bedindang said he was happy with the few significant achievements in 2013, provoking them to be more spirited to face the challenges ahead.
DAM’s one big success in 2013 was the `Malam Main Asal & Jaku Iban’ (Iban Language and Traditional Culture Night), held at Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club in October.
It was organised jointly by DAM, Institute of Teachers Education, Sarawak Campus, Miri and Serakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS).
At the function, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, who is also Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, stressed the need for unity through understanding of Iban culture and the development of Iban language as it has relevant significance.
Several Iban intellectuals and prominent figures were present at the auspicious occasion.
Among them were the head of Modern Language Department of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) Dr Chemaline Osup, senior officer from the Ministry of Education Padang Luna and Tun Jugah Foundation representative Janang Ensiring.