GAYA PALAU SEKOLAH PROJECT

These are some of the students at Palau Gaya Sekolah. I noticed that many of the classes are segregated into male and female. They are so friendly and shy at the same time.

This a class of boys--lots more outgoing than the girls. I'm not sure if that is a reflection of the Muslim culture or just the difference in boys and girls!!!

This is a picture of homes in a kampung on Gaya Island. Gaya is just off the coast of KK. It is the largest island of several that protect KK from the storms and problems that other island in southeast Asia have. The Philippines are just north of Borneo and are exposed to terrible storms and monsoons. Borneo is called "The Land Below the Wind" because they are free from the terrible winds that affect other nations near them.

Gaya Island(Palau) is a picture of contrasts. On one end of the island are resorts that cater to the wealthy and tourists. On the other side is this kampung that houses mostly illegals from the Phillipines and Indonesia. The government of Malaysia provides a school(sekolah) for the children. This school is built on the water just like these homes. The children either walk on the island or arrive by boat.

About six months ago, one of their buildings burned with the children's supplies in the building. LDS Charities is going to replace the supplies for the children. We are in the process of getting quotes from suppliers to buy these materials. As soon as we purchase these supplies, the members of the branches of the church in KK are going to go to the school to present them to the students.

This is David Choong, and Elder Larson and me going to the island to talk with the principal about places from which to order the children's supplies. David translates for us and his schedule allows him to go with us during the day. Notice the building of downtown KK in the background.