| Wani Roslan |
THREE individuals and one organisation were honoured yesterday for their significant contributions towards the development of youths in the Sultanate, during the 11th National Youth Day celebration at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.
One of the honourees, Nurizzatul Izzah binti Haji Abdul Rahman, who received the Voluntary Youth Award, has been actively involved in voluntary programmes since her schooldays, and also occupies a position as the secretary for Society for Human Development (KESAN), Brunei Youth Council.
“After graduating from the University of Manchester, my interest in making contributions to the country grew,” she said. “The first project that we organised was ‘Belia Brunei Bakti’ under KESAN, which marked the beginning of our continuing projects.
“On Mondays, I coach youths on the significance of leadership and offer them support, because without leadership skills, it is difficult for them to make any progress.”
Nurizzatul Izzah said that her charity work was inspired by a Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) which states, “The best of those among you are the ones who benefit the rest of mankind.”
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam presenting the Youth Association Excellent Project Award to Mohammad Khairul Azmi bin Haji Mohd Salleh, Vice-Chairman of SCOT.
His Majesty presenting the Young Leader Youth Award to Mohammad Anwar bin Haji Mohammad, Chairman of SCOT.
His Majesty presenting the Excellent Youth Award to Siti Huzzaimah Yadey binti Haji Rosli. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
She also has a few words of advice for local youths, “Make sure that your goals are beneficial to you, your family and your country.”
Another honouree, Mohammad Anwar bin Haji Mohammad, was presented with the Young Leader Youth Award for his work with local youth associations. He is chairman of the Society for Community Outreach and Training (SCOT), and has been involved with the organisation for more than four years.
He believes that his award will motivate more sponsors from the government and private sector to support SCOT’s mission in eradicating poverty in Brunei.
“I know that our youths are very creative, with some involved in the creative industry or entrepreneurship, while selling their products to an overseas market,” he said. “This is the kind of enthusiasm and spirit which should be instilled into Bruneian youths. If you have a vision, just go along with it and if it can benefit the whole community, it will definitely bring benefit to you.”
The third honouree, Siti Huzzaimah Yadey binti Haji Rosli, received the Excellent Youth Award for her commitment towards developing local youths. A keen participant in Al-Quran reading competitions, she won third place in 2014 and 2016, and even conducts Al-Quran classes in her home.
“Without the support of my husband and family, this award would not have been possible,” she said. “My advice for youths is to stay focused, think positive thoughts and always remember Allah the Almighty.”
The Society for Community Outreach and Training, meanwhile, received the Youth Association Excellent Project Award for its dedication and key contributions to the community through the ‘SCOT Green Xchange’ project.
Mohammad Khairul Azmi bin Haji Mohd Salleh, the Vice-Chairman of SCOT, said that the main concept of the programme is to encourage underprivileged families in the Kampong Ayer area to collect recyclable materials in exchange for basic commodities such as rice.
“Over the years, we have accumulated over 38 tonnes in exchange for over 100 bags of rice,” he said. “The whole idea of Green Xchange is to tackle poverty while educating the public on environmental issues.”
He added, “We are also bringing in the 3Ps (Public, Private and Partnership), while encouraging more volunteers and stakeholders to engage in our projects.”
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