SRI AMAN: Gawai Dayak and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, celebrated back to back this year, play an important role in promoting and maintaining unity in multi-racial Sarawak.
“The festivals are celebrated in the spirit of harmony and unity. Chinese, Malay, Melanau, Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu…all share in the joy,” said Norina Umoi Utot, the patron of non-governmental organisation (NGO) Pencil Project Association, during a visit to Rumah Agal, Panggil near here yesterday.
“This is the uniqueness of Sarawak and its practice since its birth, making Sarawak famous as the state for the spirit of unity.”
Meanwhile, she said her visit to several longhouses and Malay villages was not without purpose, having brought along donations to schoolchildren from underprivileged families through its Pencil project, which began in 2015.
“Children’s education is important, which needs to be taken seriously.”
She hoped that the Pencil project would inspire other NGOs, groups, clubs, the private and government sectors to band together to help improve the quality of education amongst needy students.
