Maximum happiness from the little ones

A five-year-old girl in Sabah’s rural northern Kota Marudu district asked her older sister how long she would be at the new mini library so she could read more books.

The library was set up by members of the Unduk Ngadau Sabah Association in Kg Tikalod in July, about 140km away from the state capital.

These children have limited access to books as their parents cannot afford to buy them.

Association treasurer Mandy Nandu emphasized that the books would be available for everyone, but they must be returned to the shelves after reading and taken care of properly.

Mandy, who holds the titles of state Unduk Ngadau 2005 and Miss Earth Malaysia 2009, expressed how heartwarming it was to witness the children’s happiness and excitement about the books.

She admitted that she didn’t expect this level of enthusiasm, considering most children prefer gadgets over books these days.

Observing the children engrossed in books and asking for guidance from association members on reading and understanding words reminded Mandy of her own children’s behavior at home.

She reminded that children are easily pleased, even by simple things like picture books, and all they need is guidance and opportunities to enjoy these small things in life.

The programme, titled Rural Outreach Education Enrichment, took place from July 14 to July 16 and was a collaboration with PG 4×4 Kota Marudu, led by Johnny Mausai, with the aim of promoting education and community development in underserved areas.

The books were sourced from the Sabah State Library, as well as association members and other sponsors, while the bookshelves were donated by additional sponsors.

Mandy clarified that the objective of the programme was to create a lasting impact by establishing mini libraries in three localities: Kampung Sonsogon Magandai, Kampung Sonsogon Tikalod, and Kampung Sonsogon Paliu.

The mini libraries will act as learning spaces to encourage reading habits and expand knowledge horizons for community members, particularly children.

During their visit, the association also provided two laptop computers to high-performing students at SK Magandai Sonsogon, the only school in the village. They also distributed coloring books and crayons to the children.

Unduk Ngadau Sabah Association members live by the motto “Education is the future, and no one should be left behind” and strive to promote it during their outreach programs.

In addition to the library initiative, members conducted traditional beads jewelry-making activities in Kg Sonsogon to encourage creativity and empower women to revive their cultural heritage.

Mandy added that the association also documented unique local traditional cultures and heritage, specifically the Dusun women’s attire of Kg Sonsogon.