I went into Ranau yesterday and wondered why there were so many crowds outside the bank when I realised that yesterday was when the 500 ringitts had been deposited into everyone's bank account. This "gift" from the government is a little sweetener for everyone in Sabah under a certain income, who feel that they have not benefited from being apart of the Malaysian Federation. Sabah has a large number of seats in the Federation and it is usually just before elections that they remember this! The Prime Minister has been over this week touring Sabah and speaking everywhere and promising new schools, hospitals, roads etc... and another 500 ringitts per person if they are voted in again. On the radio I heard that the politicians were also warning the Sabahans that if they voted against the government then they would face a bleak future. Such blatant political ploys I find quite shocking although apparently it cannot be called a bribe unless they are told who to vote for, however I don't think anyone is tricked by such tactics and I wouldn't say no to 500 ringitts either! In some of my rural schools the income of some families can be as low as 200 ringitts per month - approx. 60$, 40 sterling, 50 euro (can't find signs!) and they all have large families. They do however have no rent and most of them are self sufficient and the extra income is by selling their excess produce at the market. I have yet to see a child that looks hungry and the government does provide a free meal and vitamins at school every day. As teachers we are all government workers and we have no right to be involved in any political activity. The teachers in some Primary schools are being trained for the polling stations but as yet the election day has not been stated but it will be very soon.
The Symposium, that I mentioned last week, is a 3 day extravaganza in Kuching with many of the teachers we work with giving workshops, presentations and listening to important speakers. Emily, my colleague in Ranau, has been working very hard in organising the event and I hope for everyone's sake it runs very smoothly. Up until today the teachers attending still have not received their air tickets and that was the only thing the government were asked to do! I am going with 3 of my teachers, Ruwaida who is leaving her 5 young children at home, Asmah, pregnant and leaving 3 young children at home and Harianeh with an 18 month boy who possibly who is coming too. We have been working on our presentations that sound quite grand but we're not really sure what they mean however what we are all looking forward to is staying in the Hilton, no expense spared with a river cruise and dinner on the first night and having no responsibilities! As I understand it, the ELTD project has a budget and as the British Council is a charity they are not allowed to make a profit so must spend the excess by the end of the financial year. Personally I would have liked to see the excess spent on more books in the schools but as I am a lowly mentor I will just go along with whatever and enjoy the Symposium experience!
PS I should be in a better internet next week so can upload some photos.
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