Over 70 final-year degree students of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) who are taking the General Studies (MPU) ‘Team Leadership and Community Service’ unit, partnered with the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Miri Branch recently to help needy families whose livelihoods have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The joint project involved a donation drive to raise funds to purchase daily essentials for the families.
DBNA Miri Branch has been providing aid to less fortunate Bidayuh families in Miri since April to lessen their burden during the movement control order.
Between April and May, the branch raised enough funds to help 90 families in Desa Senadin, Permyjaya, Tudan, Piasau, Kampung Bidayuh Lusut, Bukit Peninjau and Niah.
“DBNA Miri Branch is honoured to be invited to collaborate with the Curtin students on this project. Many less fortunate families have been adversely affected by the pandemic and we are glad to be able to help ease their burden,” said DBNA Miri Branch Vice-Chairman Christopher Narang.
Danny Jau Karing, one of the students involved in the project, said a community service project is not merely about helping those in need, but also an opportunity to develop teamwork and leadership skills. “It is the university’s mission to engage communities and change lives, and we proudly represented Curtin in fulfilling that mission in Miri. We learnt a lot about ourselves and how important a concerted effort by everyone can be to the success of a project,” said Danny.
Presenting the donations to the families on October 4 were Danny, student Jeremy Lim Zi Xian, and lecturer and coordinator of the MPU units Valerie Velina Nagreg.
Christopher, DBNA Miri Branch Secretary Caroline Siburat and exco members Derek Cornas, Albert Jeris and Valentino Ivan, and volunteer and trainee counsellor from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Martin Okoronkwo Elias A were also present.
