KUCHING: Nine young Penan women from the Baram interior left their remote homes pledging to be agents of change for their community. They are the first group of Penan women to pursue diplomas at SEGi college here.
Aged 17 to 22, they are from Long Iman, Long Mubui, Long Pelutan, Long Beluk and Long Lunyim.
Shy but determined to complete their three-year Diploma in Nursing, all of them pledged to study hard so that they could lift the lives of their families.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu told the girls at a meeting in his office with deputy state secretary Datuk Ose Murang and Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation (Salcra) general manager Datuk Vasco Sibat Singkang, that he was proud of them for leaving their families in search of knowledge.
"You must be the role models for your community, especially the women. This course you are taking is not easy. Take the challenge and do not give up."
Jabu, who is also state rural development minister, said if the girls excelled at the end of their course the state government might help them with their PTPTN loans.
On behalf of Salcra he presented RM1,000 to each of the girls to tide them over until their PTPTN loans are released.
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