Looking at the importance of the role of the family institution in the development of the community and the country, through the 44/82 Resolutions, the United Nations declared 1994 as International Family Year, with May 15 declared as the official International Family Day.

In this regard, Brunei Darussalam, through the Community Development Department (JAPEM) under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports yesterday joined in on the celebration of International Family Day by organising a Parenting Skills seminar.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji 'Abdul 'Azim was present at the launch of the seminar, which was held at the Dewan Digadong of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The seminar was earlier launched by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah, in the presence of his Deputy, Datin Paduka Hjh Adina binti Othman; the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid bin Hj Mohd Jaafar; and the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Awg Hj Ismail bin POKPS Dato Paduka Hj Hashim.

Themed 'My Family, My Hope,' the seminar came in the form of a talk and discussions on family issues.

On hand to facilitate the talk was Ustaz Hj Mail and Ustazah Hjh Zunainah from the Islamic Dakwah Centre, Ministry of Religious Affairs, who also presented discussions on the best practices to educate the minds of children and parenting skills.

The seminar also saw family groups discussing issues, scenarios and best methods to educate children. The event was aimed at strengthening the family institution in the country, inculcating love and care for children, and upgrading parenting skills.

JAPEM invited some 120 selected participants from its target group in the hope that the seminar would enlighten them on ways to upgrade their parenting skills to a more effective level. - Borneo Bulletin (16 May 2012)