Lyna Mohamad
A fundraising fair organised by An-Nur Harapan was launched yesterday by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin at the An-Nur grounds in Jalan Kebangsaan.
The event was attended by government officials, An-Nur Harapan Board of Directors, including Chairman Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman bin Pengiran Haji Damit, representatives from the Diplomatic Corps, sponsors, and supporters of the organisation.
The all-weekend fair features fairground-type games, along with corporate and SME vendors offering services, food and beverages.
Aiming to bring the public and other organisations together to support An-Nur Harapan’s missions and vision, the funds raised will cover the centre’s operational costs, specifically the running of Uniklearn.
Uniklearn is a life skills and training programme for young adults with different abilities. The objective of Uniklearn is to empower youth, aged 16 and above, to become contributing members of society.
An-Nur Harapan Board of Directors member Noorsurainah binti Tengah said in her speech that 2021 marked the fourth cycle of their Uniklearn programme, which started in 2018.
“Close to half of Uniklearn’s graduates have since gone on to gain employment or continue with their vocational education.
“Our staff has also expanded; and we are working to ensure that they are equipped with skills and certification required to carry An-Nur Harapan forward,” she said.
Noorsurainah added, “The fair offers the perfect opportunity for An-Nur Harapan to showcase what is possible in a world that is socially aware and inclusive of the differently abled; and to bring the community together for a special cause, while at the same time having fun and spending quality time with one another.”
She also urged visitors to contribute to the Tree of Hope, by leaving positive notes of encouragement for the Uniklearn trainees and trainers.
“We believe to our core that it is our responsibility to use every dollar received from our donors wisely. All donations go directly towards the missions of our organisation, including programme services and engaging the public. In return for your pledge, you will receive regular Uniklearn updates, via newsletters and online media,” she said.
Noorsurainah also announced their latest initiative, the Donation Pledge, which enables the public to subscribe on a monthly or yearly basis, to show their financial commitment in support of the centre’s long-term goals.
The centre’s updated ‘Wish List’, which is available for viewing on its website, was also announced. This ongoing initiative invites members of the public to contribute items that will be used to facilitate the training of Uniklearn participants.
The fair has received numerous support consisting of cash sponsors from NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd, D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd, Ezy Printing Sdn Bhd and Pro-Builder Sdn Bhd, allowing a platform for Uniklearn trainees to practise their newly learned social skills in a real-life scenario.
In addition, the fair has received in-kind sponsorships from Bayu Ilham Motors Sdn Bhd, Processta Printing, Adison Marketing, Progresif, Suci, and the Capers/Le Taj/Senja Group of Restaurants.
Throughout the three-day event, a shuttle bus will be provided at Hassanal Bolkiah Indoor Stadium, to transport visitors to the fun fair.