Puru Online: Improving access to data

Two sisters of S.M.K Keningau set up a DIY hilltop learning centre in a village 100km from Kota Kinabalu. Internet coverage in Kampung Bomboi, Keningau, is close to non-existent, making online learning nearly impossible. Even when they could get a data signal in their village, the snail’s pace internet speed made online learning a frustrating experience and often caused them to miss out on lessons.

Eventually, Rechellyna and Ryverra decided to move to higher ground, to a piece of land where their uncle grows oil palm, at the edge of a hill nearly half a kilometre from their home where the internet signal is strongest. Conditions were not conducive for learning, so they took matters into their own hands, building their own schoolhouse over the course of two days.