By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 11: Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), Pertubuhan Wartawan Bebas Kuching (Pewarta), and DayakDaily continue to work together for the third year to bring secondhand books to rural areas with the hope of setting up reading corners and libraries for the residents in some of the remotest parts of Sarawak.
BESarawak chief executive officer (CEO) Amelia Roziman said her organisation had initiated a programme titled ‘Gift of Love’ in 2016, where it collaborated with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) to bring delegates from around the world to Kuching and donated books together.
This then inspired BESarawak to start a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme called ‘Books Build Legacy’ in 2022 as a way for the business event industry to connect with local communities and create a positive reading culture among children and teenagers by improving their access to educational resources.
“We are so glad that from 2016 until today, we have collaborated with many organisations, and we applaud DayakDaily for its commitment to changing the future of our generation.
“This matter is very close to our hearts because we start from humble beginnings and see how education has changed our lives.
“Therefore, through this project, we hope to make a difference to our community and new generation,” she said during D’Drift 2024’s flagging-off ceremony held at DayakDaily’s office here today.
DayakDaily first collaborated with BESarawak and Pewarta in 2022 to deliver over 1,000 books to SK Lusong Laku for the Penan children.
In August 2023, again with BESarawak and Pewarta, DayakDaily was able to bring more than 1,000 storybooks and two big bags of soft toys to the Orang Ulu community in Ulu Belaga.
For this year, over 1,000 secondhand books and three boxes of soft toys will be delivered to the Long Latei Penan Service Centre in Ulu Baram.
DayakDaily, alongside BESarawak and Pewarta, remain steadfast in their commitment to continue this initiative, aiming to bring smiles and empower young minds in rural Sarawak through the provision of secondhand books. — DayakDaily
