| Rokiah Mahmud |
AS PART of its efforts to support volunteer initiatives and to integrate people with different abilities under one platform, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through the Youth and Sports Department (JBS) and the Community Development Department (JAPEM) yesterday marked the International Day of Persons with Different Abilities and International Volunteer Day.
The celebration that took place at the Youth Centre in the capital served as a platform where information can be shared and promote via collaborative efforts and charitable services.
The International Volunteer Day is an annual celebration observed by the United Nations (UN) every December 5 since 1985 while Brunei Darussalam marked the celebration since 2011. The International Day of Persons with Different Abilities is celebrated every December 3 and the UN has promoted it since 1992.
Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture Youth and Sports, officiated the celebration yesterday.
In a speech, the Acting Director of Youth and Sports, Pengiran Anak Mohd Sofian bin Pengiran Anak Haji Ibrahim, in his capacity as the co-chairperson of the organising committee, explained that both celebrations were merged into one ceremony as a symbol towards strengthening informative community development that is more inclusive.
He added that the inclusive community development is a combination of efforts by government and non-government bodies in improving the standard of living, welfare and culture of the people towards the holistic development of the society.
The Day of Action (DoA) 2017 and Dialogue session with the Council for the Welfare of Person with Different Ability (MKOKU) with volunteers were conducted in two separate events. DoA 2017 was aimed at producing more young leaders.
The JBS has appointed a group of youth leaders who has been entrusted in managing Youth Day Assembly this year. With their strong commitment and dedication 30 activities have been successfully registered under the platform.
The dialogue session, participated by representatives of both parties, was held on December 20 with the objectives of introducing categories of People with Different Ability and highlighting challenges that are faced by them, their abilities and skills.
Several agencies involved in DoA 2017 among others were Tutong District Volunteers Group (SUKA), JAPEM, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Village Consultative Council of RPN Kampong Mengkubau, Brunei Council on Social Welfare, Brunei Darussalam Aids Council, UBD Guild of Graduates, KESAN, Green Brunei, SCOT, La Vida, Projek Bina Ukhwah, Save Kampong Ayer, BruROSA, YAS Brunei, Persatuan Kereta Tahan Lasak Brunei, Alumni Volunteer Leadership programme, Persatuan Amal Orang-Orang Tiong Hwa, IBTE Community Club, MPMAM Youth and Bebuloh Nature Camp.
Among activities that will be carried out are Soup Kitchen, Projek Kami Peduli, Senyuman Emas, Sentuhan Kasih, Alight Care Kits, Bandar Cleanup, Clean Up at Kampong Sungai Kebun, River Cleanup Operation, Hike Volunteers, Graduan Berbakti, Cinta Tanpa Sempadan, Farm for Good and Book Donations Drive with the participation of 500 to 700 youths.
Source: Borneo Bulletin