Boarders of SK Orang Kaya Muda Pakeri, Paloh will most likely get a new hostel for their outstanding performance in academics and co-curricular activities, according to their headmaster Ibrahim Abang Mahamud.

The headmaster is all for getting a good hostel for the pupils, saying the boarders deserve one.

“Our school has produced eight athletes for state-level sports meets, and all eight are boarders. Hostels are important for us to focus on them, and get them involved in more co-curricular activities,” he explained.

He lamented the limited facilities at the school, saying even the school’s sports field is flood-prone.

Ibrahim was speaking to reporters during their visit to the school last Monday. The visit was to check out the proposed construction of a new hostel project at the school.

It is learned that Petronas has initiated the project, and will name the new hostel ‘Asrama Harian Luar Bandar’.

The school caters to the educational needs of children of three villages namely Kampung Paloh, Kampung Kedang and Kampung Berangan.  It is a feeder school for SMK Belawai.

According to Ibrahim, the three villages have a total population of about 1,000 comprising mostly fishermen and farmers.

“The majority of the families are financially-disadvantaged. That explains why they prefer their children stay at the hostel. Every year, we received about 100 applications for a place at the hostel,” he revealed.

He said the existing wooden hostel can only accommodate 50 pupils, making it difficult for the school to decide on the successful applicants.

“Basically, we check on the family background, especially their socio-economic background. Most of the people here are either fishermen or farmers who do not have fixed income, and are e-kasih recipients. But we cannot take them all,” he said.

The existing hostel was built in 1985. According to the headmaster, the hostel is infested by termites, and not really safe for dwelling.

While harbouring hopes of getting a new hostel, Ibrahim aims to make the school the best school in Daro District by year 2021.

The school which is accessible by river has 140 pupils who include pre-schoolers, and is manned by a staff of 28, of whom 18 are teachers.

Petronas is expected to build the new hostel in July next year.

When completed towards the end of 2019, the hostel will be able to accommodate 120 boarders.

It will have a dining hall, surau, and dormitories with built-in toilets.

Tina Janang, 12, who has been staying at the hostel for six years told visiting reporters she is a bit sad that she will not be enjoying the new hostel.

“I won’t have a chance to stay at the new hostel as I am going to secondary school next year,” she explained.

Tina loves staying at hostels to be independent and be with friends.

“I can join co-curricular activities in the afternoon and have tuition in the evening,” she said.

Primary 1 pupil Nusyuhada Jamri said she loves to stay in the hostel as she can play with friends, study and do homework together with them.

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by Jane Moh

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