| Lyna Mohamad |
WE NEED to work together to build an inclusive society – one which integrates people with different physical and mental abilities into the mainstream, said His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
In a sabda delivered during the official opening of Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam’s (Pusat Ehsan) new Rehabilitation Block in Bengkurong yesterday, His Royal Highness also highlighted the need to value everyone in the society.
“Our society should value every person, regardless of their ability or disability. Only by doing so, we can become a truly inclusive society where everyone can contribute to and share the nation’s progress,” His Royal Highness noted.
“Alhamdulillah, our Bruneian culture and society is built on the foundations of care and compassion for others. It is good to see the active participation between Pusat Ehsan and 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’s Government. It is with this spirit that we need to work together, to build an inclusive society – one which integrates people with different physical and mental abilities into the mainstream.
“However there is much to be done in this aspect. We need to drive positive change through collaborations and partnerships and work together to promote more active citizens so that all Bruneians will develop a sense of duty to care for one another,” His Royal Highness said.
Congratulating the centre which has successfully undertaken and completed the project, His Royal Highness noted that in support of the government’s effort, Pusat Ehsan has been continuously providing quality care and services for the special needs community here for the past 17 years.
“I have been made to understand that the Rehabilitation Block is a Phase 1 of the redevelopment plan for Pusat Ehsan. This development is particularly significant because it is a manifestation of many helping hands through a public-private-community support.
His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah at the official opening of Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam’s new Rehabilitation Block in Bengkurong yesterday
His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen delivering his sabda. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR
“The opening of this block sees the beginning of a new chapter in the centre’s history of services and I know that this new development, like all of the services, are guided by a practice of care and compassion, reaching out and improving lives for special needs individuals in Brunei,” His Royal Highness said.
In the sabda, His Royal Highness also looked forward to the further development of the remaining four phases in Pusat Ehsan’s redevelopment plan and called upon all sectors of society to support this noble cause.
His Royal Highness offered his best wishes to the centre in its journey in enabling people with disabilities and equipping them to be a part of the society.
Following the sabda, His Royal Highness officially opened the new Rehabilitation Block.
Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah was also present to grace the ceremony.
After the opening ceremony, Their Royal Highnesses viewed an exhibition of products made by Pusat Ehsan students and toured the facilities of the centre.
Earlier upon arrival at the centre, Their Royal Highnesses were greeted by Pusat Ehsan’s Policy and Planning Trustee, Haji Ahmad bin Haji Abdul Rahman and Executive Trustee Pengiran Datin Hajah Noraini binti Pengiran Dipa Negara Laila Diraja Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin.
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