Return From Sarawak

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31249, 22 December 1966, Page 5

Return From Sarawak

Two young Christchurch men returned home yesterday convinced that volunteer service abroad is a thoroughly satisfying way of spending 12 months of their life. They are Andrew Jamieson, of 535 Russley road, and David Clemens, of 19 Royds street, who have been teaching in Sarawak since last January. Both are former pupils of the Christchurch Boys’ High School. Mr Clemens enjoyed his work so much that he volunteered to stay in Sarawak for a further period. The organisers of Volunteer Service Abroad declined his offer, advising him to pursue his career at home. Mr Jamieson plans to study law next year. He feels he has rather gained than lost by sacrificing what could have been his first completed year at the university.

Both recommend voluntary service abroad to all young people as a source of character building, acquisition of self confidence and of obtaining some measure of personal satisfaction.

The two young men went to back country areas of

Sarawak to teach in Govern-ment-controlled secondary schools.

Mr Jamieson taught English and history to 180 pupils at a boarding school and Mr Clemens taught English and mathematics at a co-educa-tional school of 380 pupils. The boarding school system fostered a strong community spirit, Mr Jamieson said. His work involved other things outside the classroom —growing vegetables and pineapples, playing sport and organising debating groups.

Mr Jamieson found his knowledge of first aid of great benefit as it amounted to far more than anyone else knew. Most of his medical supplies came from U.S. Peace Corps

men. His pupils were of Iban stock while Mr Clemens was dealing largely with Chinese. Both agreed that their pupils appreciated their efforts “judging by the send offs.” Mr Clemens said he expected much worse conditions than he actually found. Neither suffered very much from a predominantly rice diet, although Mr Jamieson put on a stone in a week after returning to customary Western food.

The two men spoke of low standards of hygiene bom of ignorance and a universal penchant for spitting. The photograph shows Mr Jamieson with a group of children in Sarawak.