A devoted teacher known as Sambau Dugat, recently lead a group of 22 students on a two-hour hike in the jungle just to get them to an area with internet connectivity so they can study.
The group consisted of primary and secondary students who needed the Internet after the Ministry of Education announced that all classes were to be conducted online following the closure of schools across the country. While this seems like a minor issue for civilians who live in the city, it’s not easy for folks who stay outside internet reception areas like the majority of East Malaysia.
According to Sin Chew Daily, Sambau, who is a teacher at SMK Lubok Antu, Sarawak couldn’t bear to see his students lagging behind on schoolwork because of the lack of reception in their village, Nanga Sumpa. He decided to take his students on a jungle trek to find an internet connection and proceed with their studies.
“Internet coverage is a major issue in my area as the village where I am from does not have good internet facilities at the moment. Students from my village need it to help them in their studies,” said Sambau in a statement recorded by the Borneo Post.
The trip, which took place last Sunday (15 November), was no walk in the park. A one-way journey from the village to the area with good internet coverage took two and a half hours. Sambau said he organised the trip after observing students from his village make their way there recently.
A man carrying two girls over a river on their two and a half hour journey for internet connection.
“It is not easy for us but we have to do it because there are no proper roads leading to our destination. We had to walk through a dense jungle and cross many streams just to get there,” said the kind teacher who added that many of the students’ parents also accompanied them on the trip. Sambau said they first went on a 45-minute walk through the jungle before another hour and 45-minute hike uphill where they could finally access the internet.
Due to the length of their journey, everyone would pack food and necessities, as well as their laptops and devices to do work once they reach their destination.
“In this modern era, the internet is very crucial for students which is why they need to find places with good internet coverage, which in the case for the students from my area is very far away from home,” said the kind teacher to the publication.
“The Movement Control Order currently enforced in the country has not made it easier for us too. We could not really travel much to leave our village for the purpose of getting good internet coverage in other areas,” added the determined educator.
There must be something that can be done for these students so that they can learn in a more conducive environment. What do you guys think about this?
Also read: Sarawak Teacher Drives To Students’ Houses Every Week & Marks Their Homework From Outside The Gate
