The Power Of Family

Brunei welcomes this year’s International Family Day themes ‘Families and Urbanisation’, which intends to raise awareness on the importance of sustainable and family-friendly urbanisation policies.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin shared this in a message to mark the occasion, which is celebrated every May 15.

With a focus on three key aspects, namely improving work-life harmony, strengthening child protection and support for family members, several activities and initiatives have been planned throughout the year, in collaboration with strategic partners as a part of a whole-of-nation approach. 

At the same time, a foster family care programme will also be introduced for temporary care of children and young persons that are in need of protection, to ensure their safety and welfare are maintained until it is safe for them to return to their biological parents. The minister shared that the ministry will launch the Register of Children and Young Persons in Need of Protection under the National Framework for the Protection of Children of Brunei Darussalam today. 

In addition, a ‘One Family One Tree’ campaign, in collaboration with Green Brunei, is planned for August, where each family will plant one tree as a heritage of their respective families, towards raising awareness of the responsibility of caring for the environment for the future of the family, community and country. 

The minister proceeded to share that, at the same time, it is undeniable that the Sultanate is not exempted in facing the COVID-19 pandemic situation, which has and continues to have an impact on family institutions in this country and globally. 

“Indeed, the institution of a happy family is important to the development of the country because a happy family guarantees the continuity of future generations of the country. With that, our common hope is that all families will be happy, healthy, trustworthy and responsible to each other, as well as society in general.” he added

The International Family Day 2022 is marked every May 15 and celebrated globally. The celebration is in line with the recognition of the family unit as the most important institution in society by the UN and aims to strengthen family ties and raise awareness of family-related issues, especially in the context of current global trends and changes that have brought and continue to bring significant changes to the institutional structure of the family.

Credit: Borneo Bulletin