HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, the President of the Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Association, together with members of the association yesterday marked 'World Peace Day 2012' by participating in a walkathon in line with the theme 'Walk for Peace.'

The daughters of HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, YAM Pengiran Anak Raheemah Sanaul Bolqiah and YAM Pengiran Anak Hariisah Widadul Bolqiah, who are Girl Guide members themselves, were also involved in the early morning walkathon.

HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah was welcomed upon arrival by Siti Hafsah Abdul Halim, the Chief Commissioner of the Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Association.

Also in attendance were Life Vice Presidents of Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Association - Datin Paduka Hajah Zaharah binti Hajah Idris, Datin Paduka Hajah Jusnani binti Hj Lawie and Datin Hajah Masni binti Hj Mohd Ali.

The early morning event kicked off with aerobics and was followed by a walkathon covering the area around the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

Following the brisk walk, HRH signed the world peace celebration card, before proceeding for a group picture with the association members.

Speaking to the Bulletin, Chief Commissioner Siti Hafsah Abdul Halim said, "Every year, World Peace Day is celebrated on September 22. Today is a day for peace and the significance of the celebration is not only in preserving peace, but also for having a peace of mind and peace in our hearts."

She later recalled previous celebrations, among them, World Thinking Day marked on February 22, a day before Brunei's national day celebrations, as well as Community Day.

Next month, the Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Association will celebrate World Girl Guides Day, with the UN set to declare October 12 as the 'Day of the Girl.' In view of this, the association will combine both celebrations and celebrate it on October 12.

Meanwhile, Pg Hjh Sarah bte Pg Hj Asmat, who is also from the Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Association, noted that the association is one whose members come from as young as six years to life members.

Also, she explained, the younger members can look to their seniors as role models.

Currently, there are around 2,000 registered members in the Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Association.

The association is looking to focus more on community-based activities. - Borneo Bulletin (10 September 2012)