By James Kon
Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Saleha, the Royal Patron of Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam in a titah yesterday said that the Girl Guides Association can be considered the best example for other associations and bodies in shaping honourable and responsible persons and at the same time lauded the significant progress that the Association had made since its establishment 55 year ago.
In Her Majesty's titah in the Guides Day 2006 celebration at the Royal Berkshire Hall, Jerudong Park and Country Club yesterday afternoon, Her Majesty said, "I feel proud to have witnessed the progress of the Girl Guides Association which has also successfully adapted itself in accordance to the needs of time.
"The progress is evident following the success of the Association in implementing its objectives and carrying out welfare activities," Her Majesty added.
Her Majesty also praised the solid efforts made by members of the Association in bridging closer ties between its members and members of other Non-Government Organisation associations and institutions as well as members from World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
Highlighting the immense success of the Girl Guides Association, Her Majesty said, "The success of the Association is astounding especially with its members continuing to change every year and that 85 per cent of the members are made up of female students under the age of 21 years."
Towards this Her Majesty stated that the loyalty and the regulations of Girl Guides should be instilled amongst all of its members as well as youths in the country because it covers every aspect of informal education.
The Royal Patron of Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam hoped that the progress achieved by the Association should be re-examined in order to again raise the Association's achievement, which later will be inherited by future young members.
Her Majesty also hoped that members of the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam will continue to carry out more activities and implement projects to benefit the young generation and communities.
Her Majesty urged the Association's administrators to increase the skill training for young leaders by instilling creativity and innovation, as they (Young Leaders) are heir to the Association.
Accompanying Her Majesty at the Guides Day 2006 celebration were Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Zariah, HRH Princess Hjh Rashidah, HRH Princess Hjh Majeedah, HRH Princess Hjh Amal Umi-Kalthum Al-Islam, YAM Pengiran Bini Hjh Faizah and HRH Princess Hjh Noor Ehsani.
The ceremony commenced with the singing of the national anthem and Girl Guides songs performed by members of the Brownies which included YAM Pg Anak Raheemah, the granddaughter of His Majesty.
This was followed a speech by Dyg Hjh Siti Hafsah bte Hj Abdul Rahim, the Chief Commissioner of Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam, who highlighted the past and present achievements of the association.
The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of appreciation certificates by Her Majesty to HRH Princess Hjh Masna, the President of Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (from 1993 to present). Receiving the certificate on behalf of HRH Princess Hjh Masna was the Vice President II of Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam, Datin Paduka Hjh Jusnani bte Hj Mohd Ali.
Another certificate was presented to HRH Princess Hjh Noor Ehsani.
Her Majesty also proceeded to present the Golden Services Badge (20 years) to HRH Princess Hjh Masna. Receiving the badge on behalf of HRH Princess Hjh Masna was Datin Paduka Hjh Jusnani.
Other recipients of the Golden Services Badge include Dyg Hjh Siti Hafsah bte Hj Abdul Halim, Chief Commissioner, Dyg Hjh Viviyanti bte Hj Ali, the Deputy Chief Commissioner, and Datin Paduka Hjh Norsiah bte Hj Mohd Daud, the advisor in development and training of Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam.
After the presentation of badges, Her Majesty consented to officiate the celebration by cutting the Guides Day 2006 cake. Her Majesty then proceeded to receive a Pesambah from the Chief Commissioner of Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam.
- Borneo Bulletin
(4th Nov 2006)
