LAWAS: The recent joint-award for two remote Limbang Division schools in the Commonwealth Education Good Practices Award 2009 is proof that rural schools can shine on a global level.

Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the joint-award for SK Ulu Lubai and SK Ba Kelalan was a ringing endorsement of the commitment of parents and teachers to bring about such recognition and achievements.

The schools did the state and country proud by beating entries from 47 countries, including the United Kingdom and India.

“I told the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) in the helicopter on our way to Batang Ai recently of the success of these two remote rural schools despite lacking resources and facilities,” said Tengah during the Limbang Division Teacher’s Day celebration at SMK Merapok yesterday.

Tengah disclosed that he had also brought up the need to give serious attention to the lack of infrastructure and facilities as well as other needs of rural schools in Sarawak, with Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Education Minister. Shortly after, Muhyiddin called for an audit of rural schools.

“We hope that with the audit, there would be better infrastructure and facilities in Sarawak schools, particularly in rural areas, for a more conducive learning environment for our students,” said Tengah.

He commended teachers in the Limbang Division for their dedication and commitment to their duty as architects of future nation-builders.

“The future of not only students, but also the nation and country, is determined by the pattern of education from teachers, and as such, they have to be dynamic in churning out a new generation that can think globally, act locally, according to local culture in facing globalisation and liberalisation challenges,” he said.

As such, Tengah said, teachers must be role models who have intellectual will, knowledge and skill.

Earlier, Limbang District Education officer Mohd Dzul Badzil Abdullah said the division has had a successful year with a slew of awards.

“We look forward to more SK Ulu Lubais and SK Ba Kelalans,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lee Yiing Chong, who has retired, was selected as Teacher of the Year for his outstanding achievements and contribution towards education, sports and culture in the division.

Among those present at the event were Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong, Bukit Kota assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail and Lawas District officer Mohd Supaih Hamdan.