One for the books: Teams from PETRONAS, Persatuan Unduk Ngadau Sabah and villagers posing for the camera at the end of the three-day visit to Kampung Sonsogon Magandai.
PETRONAS’ 50 Dreams Programme bridges literacy gap by realising the dream to transform a library into a classroom
KOTA KINABALU: Bridging the literacy gap of a whole village, particularly a remote one, is a daunting task especially with limited resources.
Such was the situation for Asneh Kayak, until her dream of upgrading a mini library she established in Kampung Sonsogon Magandai, Kota Marudu, was recently fulfilled.
The project was carried out under the PETRONAS 50 Dreams initiative in conjunction with the company’s 50th anniversary this year, where the company fulfils the dreams of 50 individuals throughout the country.
Being one of the fortunate few who have had the opportunity to further their education, the 38-year-old mother of five wanted to teach fellow villagers to read and count, firmly believing that education is the ticket out of poverty.
With the help of fellow villager Elizabeth Matius, a 22-year-old with a Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia qualification, Asneh took in 10 students, from the ages of 14 to 90.
She was determined, however, to reach out to more potential students.
(From left) Asneh, Ellyanti and Jasper (second right), and beauty queens Francisca Ester Nain (right) and Shareen Jee (centre) teaching children at the upgraded Kampung Sonsogon Magandai mini library.
Leveraging the mini library that she had set up earlier with the help of Persatuan Unduk Ngadau Sabah at the village community hall, Asneh wanted to upgrade it to a classroom that would be used for her adult classes.
Knowing that the feat was beyond her capacity, she once again reached out to the association’s president Ellyanti Nelson for assistance.
“I received Asneh’s text one day. She asked if there was a way to upgrade the existing mini library where she conducts her classes to teach villagers to read and count,” recalled Ellyanti.
While researching potential resources, she stumbled upon the video about the PETRONAS 50 Dreams initiative.
“Intrigued, I reached out to PETRONAS Sabah and Labuan regional office’s senior manager Jasper Diego to inquire about the initiative and relate to him this young mother’s dream of bringing positive change to remote Sonsogon Magandai.
“He was impressed with Asneh’s story and suggested we submit a nomination to help fulfil her dream,” said Ellyanti.
Navigating rough terrains
With just two months remaining until the deadline for submission, Ellyanti knew everything had to be done at lightning speed.
However, due to limited phone coverage, it was challenging to get prompt responses from Asneh.
“To prepare the report, we had to rely on Asneh. Sometimes, it would take at least three to four days to get the information because we had to wait for her to walk to an area with a phone signal.
“There were numerous occasions when I felt like giving up. It was an incredibly trying time.
“Nevertheless, we persevered, believing in a greater purpose and drawing strength from Jasper and his team’s unwavering support,” said Ellyanti.
For Asneh, despite this intense journey for her and Ellyanti, she admitted that walking out for the phone call was the highlight of her day because, as she puts it: “I could feel my dreams drawing closer.”
But preparing for the nomination was no match to the anticipation of waiting for the result.
When Ellyanti saw the call from PETRONAS, she confessed to feeling nervous.
“The call confirmed our success. All the efforts we invested had paid off. It was truly a moment of joy,” she reminisced.
A history worth telling
With this confirmation, it was back to the drawing board for Asneh, Ellyanti’s team as well as PETRONAS volunteers to strategise for the project ahead.
A three-day programme was subsequently planned for the team to get the project going in the remote village.
The journey to fulfil Asneh’s dream was historical, with Jasper flagging off the team of volunteers from Menara PETRONAS in Kota Kinabalu.
They travelled 120km to Kota Marudu, in the northern region of Sabah, and another 60km into Sonsogon Magandai through a challenging and rugged road condition.
The team was welcomed by friendly faces upon reaching the village, and everybody helped to unload equipment from the vehicles.
Five-year-old Mohd Iqbal Maulana helping to arrange books at the upgraded Kampung Sonsogon Magandai mini library.
Apart from upgrading the reading nook, the team of volunteers gave the mini library a fresh coat of paint, added tables and chairs and installed fans and lights.
A computer and printer, as well as a television, were given to the community – all of which are powered by solar panels.
The programme would not be possible without the cooperation from local communities as well.
“We needed a ladder to get up to the roof to install the solar panels. Villagers went out to look for wood and built one for us.
“Some helped with the painting and even Asneh’s five-year-old son, Mohd Iqbal Maulana was arranging books on the shelves.
“That is what teamwork is all about,” said Ellyanti.
An emotional Asneh said: “Our journey is still far but I believe if we all put our hearts in it, the Sonsogon Magandai people will move a step ahead towards becoming a literate community.
“This space does not belong to me alone. This is not just my dream, it is ours. Let this be the beginning of many more wonderful moments.”
Penning a successful chapter
On the second night in Sonsogon Magandai, it was the “light on” ceremony, and the villagers were invited to gather at the community hall, which was now a mini library and classroom.
Everyone waited in anticipation, and after the count of three, lights were turned on, which received wide smiles and applause.
Witnessing the villagers’ reactions to the improved mini library made all the hard work in realising Asneh’s dream worthwhile.
“Right now, their world may be just Sonsogon Magandai or Kota Marudu.
“I hope that what we have provided will pique their curiosity to explore the world of knowledge,” Jasper said.
He added that the PETRONAS 50 Dreams is an initiative of the global energy group, designed to celebrate and support the aspirations and dreams of Malaysians.
Part of the company’s broader commitment to social responsibility and community development, the programme also aims to empower Malaysians, especially the young, by providing them with opportunities, resources, and support.
“The programme targets Malaysians, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, to help them overcome barriers and realise their full potential.
“By investing in the dreams and ambitions of the younger generation, we aim to contribute in fostering a more skilled and empowered population,” he said.
It is also by celebrating the success stories of programme participants, that would inspire others and showcase the positive impact of the initiative.
Ellyanti, on the other hand, said that the project fits well with the roles and objectives of the association.
One page at a time
Moving forward, Asneh hopes that she would be able to change the villagers’ mindset towards education.
“There is some fear among parents about their children venturing out to pursue their education and careers.
“They worry no one will help them tend their farms.
“But times have changed, and education is the answer for a better life. I will continue the adult classes with Elizabeth’s help.
“I hope that our little contribution will uplift the community’s well-being. And with all the support we get, I believe we will pull through,” said Asneh.
