Mobile Library

The other day I had an exciting opportunity to witness a ceremony for the Launching of the Petronas Mobile Library at Al-Shargiyah Basic Level School for Boys, Port Sudan. The event was officiated by the Petronas VP of Education Datuk Dr Rosti Saruwono and was a colorful one with school girl performance as well as war dance performed by young boys from a local tribe. One thing I have to remark is that the food was great too as this was the first time that I attended a local Sudanese ceremony that did not serve food in plastic packings :-)
The library is the third of its kind from Petronas to the Sudanese people as part of its commitment to develop local community, particularly in the field of education. The library is targeted for Basic Level Schools where it is equipped with English and Arabic books to encourage reading habits among children. A variety of books were neatly kept on the rack including religion, story books, references and dictionaries.
A worthy note to mention is that Petronas service to the local community also includes setting up 2 Vocational Training Centers in Khartoum, organizing annual English Language Debate Championship as well as sending top grade students to study in Malaysia on full scholarships.

"Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, but if you teach a man how to fish and he could feed for a lifetime". What a beautiful proverb that I think in Petronas case, such commitment is a win-win solution in this investor and host nation relationship. However, there is always a two side of the coins and so is the proverb. "Teach a man to fish and soon you will have competitors in the fishing industry, but if you give him a fish, you would create a demand for your fish product".

I guess any way you look at it there is always new critical views challenging your status quo. But it is not anyone faults. As long as the giver is sincere in his/her deeds, and the receiver is thankful and does not bite the hands of the giver, the world would be a very happy place to live in.
The dessert table at the ceremony. Sudanese has such sweet tooth, just look at their colorful desserts. Or is it the table cloth that is blinding me.