BELAGA – The SarawakKu Reading Carnival Series 9 Murum Zone has brought together rural residents to celebrate literacy, education and lifelong learning, with around 350 participants attending the programme at Dewan Lamin Adet Bangen Kimet, Uma Baha Apau Koyan, Sungai Asap.
The event, which included the 2026 Adult Literacy Graduation Ceremony, highlighted efforts to improve access to education and encourage a stronger reading culture among communities in rural Sarawak.
One of the main highlights was the recognition of participants who had successfully completed the Adult Literacy Programme. The graduates demonstrated their ability to master fundamental reading, writing and arithmetic skills, marking an important step towards greater independence and confidence in their daily activities.
Basic literacy remains an important foundation for individual development, particularly in communities where access to educational opportunities may be more limited. The ability to read, write and perform basic calculations can help individuals manage everyday responsibilities, access information and participate more confidently in community activities.
The carnival also provided opportunities for residents of different age groups to explore practical knowledge and develop new skills through a range of educational and interactive activities.
Among the activities organised were exhibitions involving government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), providing visitors with opportunities to learn about available services, community initiatives and development programmes.
Participants also took part in practical workshops covering hydroponic cultivation and environmentally friendly soap production. These activities introduced useful skills that could encourage creativity, environmental awareness and interest in practical applications of knowledge.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education also featured in the programme through dedicated workshops designed to introduce participants to scientific concepts and encourage curiosity through hands-on learning.
For younger visitors, storytelling sessions and arts and crafts activities provided opportunities to develop creativity, imagination and an interest in reading. Such activities also offered an accessible way to introduce children to learning beyond the traditional classroom environment.
The combination of literacy activities, practical workshops and educational exhibitions reflected the programme’s broader objective of making knowledge accessible to people from different backgrounds and age groups.
Organisers also sought to encourage residents to view education as an ongoing process rather than something limited to formal schooling. Through community-based programmes, participants can continue acquiring knowledge, strengthening existing abilities and discovering new areas of interest throughout their lives.
The carnival was organised by PUSTAKA Negeri Sarawak Sibu in collaboration with Rukun Tetangga and the Department of Community Development (KEMAS).
The selection of Dewan Lamin Adet Bangen Kimet at Uma Baha Apau Koyan in Sungai Asap provided a community-based setting for the gathering, bringing educational activities and learning opportunities directly to residents in the Murum area.
The participation of approximately 350 people reflected the community’s involvement in the programme, which combined recognition of adult literacy achievements with activities for children, families and other residents.
The 2026 graduation ceremony also placed attention on the importance of supporting adults who wish to improve their basic education skills, demonstrating that opportunities to learn and develop remain available at different stages of life.
Through initiatives such as the SarawakKu Reading Carnival, organisers aim to strengthen community participation in education while promoting reading, practical knowledge and skills development as important elements of rural development.
The Murum programme concluded with a shared emphasis on building a more knowledgeable community by encouraging residents to embrace reading, pursue learning opportunities and apply newly acquired skills in their everyday lives. — Sarawak Daily
