HER Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, the President of Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Association (PPPBD), HRH Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah and HRH Princess Hajah Masna yesterday attended the World Thinking Day 2014 celebrations at of PPPBD headquarters in Kg Anggerek Desa.

PPPBD and World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) members celebrated the event which is this year themed “Girls Worldwide Say: Education Opens Doors For All Girls and Boys”.

In her sabda, HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah noted that the theme was in line with the national education policy, which aims to provide the best education system at all levels through the provision of various infrastructures and educational facilities including schools, colleges and institutions of higher education, as well as skilled teachers.

“In addition to the provision of infrastructures and manpower required, the national education policy also requires that every parent and guardian ensures their children attend school, in accordance with Chapter 211 of Brunei Law, Compulsory Education Act,” she explained.

The Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Association, whose members are largely students and skilled teachers, plays a key role in providing support to efforts by the government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in enhancing the standard of education of the younger generation in the Sultanate.

HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah added that activities planned by PPPBD will also focus on enhancing the level of educational attainment among its members who are still in school, and enhance their ability to pursue higher education.

Meanwhile, in her opening remarks, Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides Association Assistant Chief Commissioner Pengiran Hajah Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Kamaluddin explained that activities held during the ceremony correlate to education, and that they also allowed Brownies and Girl Guides the opportunity to exchange their views on various subjects.

Various competitions were held to enliven the day, before HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah presented prizes to winners of competitions. - Borneo Bulletin (10 March 2014)