SIBURAN – More than seventy years since its founding, Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) St Alban Duras continues to stand as a beacon of rural education, nurturing generations of Bidayuh students and contributing to the development of human capital in Sarawak.
At the 2025 Student Appreciation Ceremony held on Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Transport (Air and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil praised the school’s enduring role in shaping the future of the Bidayuh community.
He noted that SK St Alban Duras was among the earliest educational institutions in the area, and its legacy remains central to the region’s social and economic progress.
Dr Jerip highlighted the broader impact of missionary schools, explaining that their mission extended beyond religious activities to long-term educational efforts that transformed rural communities.
“Missionary schools do not only build houses of worship, but also carry out long-term educational missions that are catalysts for social and economic change in rural communities,” he said.
He recalled the achievements of notable figures such as the late Dr Mosko Ruben, one of the first Bidayuh individuals to pursue medical studies at Oxford University.
The success story, he added, demonstrated how education can alter destinies and open doors to international recognition.
As Mambong State Assemblyman (ADUN), Dr Jerip reaffirmed his commitment to education, describing it as one of the three pillars of his political struggle, alongside infrastructure development and the provision of basic facilities.
He expressed strong support for the Sarawak Government’s emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), which he described as vital for building a high-tech and competitive state.
To reinforce this vision, Dr Jerip announced a special allocation of RM40,000 to the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) of SK St Alban Duras.
The funds will be used to support school projects and address immediate needs, ensuring that students benefit from improved facilities and resources.
The ceremony was attended by several key figures, including Headmaster Megos Simak, Serian District Education Office representative Harrisman Dollen, Siburan District Officer Ranum Bari, and School Liaison Officer (PPS) Sarjan Zurizam Mohd Zulkifli.
Their presence underscored the collaborative effort between education authorities, local leaders, and the community in advancing rural education.
SK St Alban Duras remains a symbol of perseverance and hope, embodying the spirit of resilience within the Bidayuh community.
Its continued success reflects the importance of education as a driver of unity, empowerment, and long-term development in Sarawak.
