THE Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam held an annual celebration of ‘World Thinking Day’ at their headquarters in Kampong Anggerek Desa, Berakas yesterday.

Gracing the celebration were Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, the President of the Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Association and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, the Vice President of the association.

Upon arrival, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna were welcomed by members of the association as well as the organising committee.

The ceremony began with the singing of the national anthem followed by the Girl Guides’ World and Asia-Pacific songs led by students from Sekolah Tinggi Perempuan Raja Isteri (STPRI) and members of the association.

Pengiran Hajah Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Kamaluddin, the Assistant Chief Commissioner of the association, in her welcoming remarks, highlighted the concerning death rate of mothers and children globally mostly from preventable diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria or lack of access to appropriate healthcare.

She also expressed appreciation to the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for providing free healthcare and education services for the people.

This year’s celebration carries the themes, “Every mother’s life and health is precious” and “Together we can save children’s lives” of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. This has been set to assist future activities of members from the WAGGGS (World Associations of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts).

A morning aerobic and Zumba exercise was also held prior to several performances including a ‘choral speaking’ activity. Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah later took a tour of an exhibition featuring health prevention displays set up by the Ministry of Health before leaving the event.

The objectives of the celebration were to commemorate Friendship Day and to raise funds for young girls worldwide. This year, countries on focus include the Republic of Ireland, Malawi, Jordan, Pakistan and Venezuela. It also aims to promote awareness amongst members to help those in need whilst inculcating a positive attitude towards charitable activities as encapsulated in the laws of the Girl Guides Association. - Borneo Bulletin (25 March 2013)