Iban girl does her family proud

That’s my girl: An elated Rhana with her mother. — Bernama

SIBU: Living in abject poverty did not stop Rhana Kirisna Killy from doing well in her SPM examination.

The Iban lass from SMK St Elizabeth defied all odds to score 9As (4A+, 4A and 1A-) in the exam.

Her mother Kelang Lawang, 40, told newsmen that Rhana’s father, a construction worker, is the sole breadwinner of the family of five.

“His income is not stable. When it rains, he does not work, and as he is paid on a daily basis, he will not get any money.”

Kelang said they struggle to put food on the table, especially during the long monsoon season.

“I am just a housewife looking after all the children. I make sure they have a good education, so that they don’t have to be poor when they grow up,” she added.

Kelang said they had no money for tuition and Rhana’s result was beyond expectations.

“She only studied with her friends and used her textbooks,” she added.

When asked what had motivated her to do so well, Rhana, who was visibly elated, said: “As the eldest in the family, I have to show a good example to my two other siblings. Prior to the exam, I was only expecting 7As and 2Bs.”

Rhana said her ambition is to become a counselling teacher.