ROAD LESS TRAVELLED (1/2018)

(Introduction)
Going places will always bring you to look at life from different perspective. Together with the Labuan 4 Wheel Drive Club, BNM Volunteers and CARE club of Labuan FSA have collaborated to do an outreach programme to three rural schools in Tenom i.e S.K Kapulu, S.K Rundum and S.K Sumambu. The journey took about 5-6 hours from Labuan to Rundum, Tenom via Sipitang, one of the most remote place in SABAH. Approximately we have traveled about 250km to reach to Rundum and the nearby township for these places is Kemabong.

(28th April 2018)
About 4pm, we reached S.K Kapulu and managed to hand over few pack of rice and some basic necessities. Credit to BNM Volunteers and CARE group of Labuan FSA.

After that we reached Kampung Rundum about one hour later. The weather was freaking cold when it started to rain.

The road was a bit rough and one of the car has gone into the drain due to the weather condition. However, the other car has managed to be pulled out. It was a relief that no one was injured during the incident and the car was still in good condition to continue to the next journey.

The temperature has dropped about 16-17 celcius. The first night was a bit tiring for the team but we were greeted by the villagers by a lot of food, mainly made from the fresh tapioca. It has been a tradition, even though these people were faraway from the town, they will welcome you as best as they can. You can feel the WARMTH through the smiley faces.

(29th April 2018)
The after rain effect made the scenery even more beautiful in the morning and captured in these pictures.

The morning dew is priceless. You can feel your lung has breathed into the fresh air. Something that you will miss in your so-called city life.

Sometimes we forget to simplify our life. It matters that today we are still breathing. Very much alive to see something beautiful as this.

It was breathtakingly beautiful. With such a simple life, the villagers and students welcome life as it is. The obstacles did not hinder them from catching their dreams and goals in life. Life is not easy but it is worth more than the money can buy.

Muddy situation. Sometimes it's good to let go and just go with the flow.

(S.K Sumambu, Tenom)
The second day, we went to another school located about 21km from Rundum. I thought the earlier road was BAD but this one was even worst. According to the villagers, the road was never been improved by the government since years ago. This saddened me the most. After all, having decent road should be one of the most basic infrastructure. With the upcoming election, I hope there will be some changes for these village. In the era of modernization, the places like this still exist. It ached my heart to see the situation and nothing much been change since years ago. It was like running a movie in slow motion. At least, I have done my level best to help in a small way. Don't ask me what have I done to my country as I believe that I have done something. It is small, but I did something.

After we get back to S.K Rundum, the BNM Volunteers team has arranged some activities with the school kids. Look at their shining eyes and enthusiasm. I can see the hope and I am a firm believer in education. I pray they will continue to chase for their dreams and never give up. Please grow up like a butterfly. Things might be hard for now but that will not stay forever. In God, we trust!

(Welcoming Event by S.K Rundum)

At night, we were entertained by the traditional dance by the school kids and some performance from the villagers. At the end we also danced along with the 'Murut' songs.

This is a memorable trip. The road was bumpy but the kids and villagers were happy with our short visit. It is not much but we hope that it will give a good memory for them to always, always believe in their DREAMS.