SIBU, Jan 1: The world will be a better place if more roads are named after educationists like former principal of Sacred Heart Secondary School (SHS), the late Brother Albinus O’Flaherty.
Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew said with roads named after educationists, it will show that the society has the highest respect for educationists.
Speaking as the organising chairman of SHS’s 120th anniversary celebration and a walk in honour of Brother Albinus today, Lau noted that naming a road after an educationist is one of the rarer occurrences not only in Sarawak but around the world.
The first 1km of Jalan Oya here was recently renamed Jalan Brother Albinus to acknowledge and recognise the immense contribution that this man had made to many in Sibu in particular and Sarawak in general.
Brother Albinus, who passed away on Aug 4, 2013, had taught in the school and later became its principal for 17 years from 1970 to 1987.
Lau said Brother Albinus had dedicated his 53 years’ stay in Sarawak to education.
“He led by the mission of the La Salle Brothers – to educate the lost, the least and the last. Yet he was more than just a teacher or an educationist. He was a humble man, and led a simple life. He had little worldly needs. What he had, he more than willingly shared with those in greater needs. He was a religious man who lived the life that Jesus Christ wanted human to live,” he added.
He said many students have personal stories of their dealings or encounters with Brother Albinus. And many of these were outside the classrooms or his role as a teacher or principal. Some were on the sports field where Sacred Heart School excels.
On behalf of the School Board and Sacred Old Students Association, Lau thanked Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and the state government for approving the renaming of a stretch of Jalan Oya to Jalan Brother Albinus.
Chairman of the school board of management Bishop Joseph Hii said that their participation in the two events showed their gratitude to Brother Albinus who had moulded many young people to be successful in life.
“We want the spirit of Brother Albinus to continue in the school. We pray that the new generations of students will be committed to that spirit and be responsible leaders to build the student’s community,” he added. — DayakDaily
