ANOTHER memorable milestone was marked yesterday for the nation’s Girl Guides Association following the presentation of badges to new members and appointment letters to those who are set towards becoming leaders to the future generation.

During a ceremony held at the Indoor Stadium in Berakas to mark a new chapter in the lives of Bruneian women – young women and girls alike – Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah in her capacity as the President of the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam presented over 200 badges of various ranks within the association.

Among those who were given the honour included 98 new members who received Tenderfoot Badges following their successful participation in the Tenderfoot Test after three months of being part of the association.

“The Tenderfoot Badge,” explained the association in a press release, “is the main criterion for a member to take part in any of the association’s activities as well as activities organised by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.” In her welcoming address, the association’s Chief Commissioner, Hajah Siti Hafsah binti Haji Abdul Halim, said that the association has registered over 10,000 members for the past 30 years since the association’s establishment, with the year 2013 recording a total of 1,800 new members.

“These members are still very active,” she said before adding, “Once you are a guide, you are always a guide.”

Following the association’s council meeting earlier in April, youth leaders were also elected into the executive committee as part of the association’s succession plan. This year will also see the renewal of the association’s strategic plan and also a review of its plan of action, stressed the chief commissioner. - Borneo Bulletin (5 May 2014)