| Ishan Ibrahim |
THE President and CEO of the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman requested the authorities to provide the expertise, advisory and tools for his non-profit organisation to achieve sustainability and financial independence.
At the relaunching of the Washington Bakery in Sungai Hanching yesterday, he called on the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism to provide an advisory for the marketing of products from SMARTER Brunei.
Malai Haji Abdullah also urged more local companies to come out in support of Washington Bakery and pave the way for employment opportunities for adults with autism (AWAs).
“The Ministry of Religious Affairs can also assist Washington Bakery by giving ‘special attention’ in the issuance of the Halal certification and permits for the continuing production of cookies by AWAs to generate income for them,” he said.
He also lauded Cityneon Brunei for providing them with plastic bottles, which will serve as cookie containers.
“The adults with autism are now given an opportunity to earn a salary, as they are involved in the baking and packaging of cookies, which will be sold to the public,” Malai Haji Abdullah added.
Among those present at the event was the Ambassador of the United States of America to Brunei Darussalam Craig Allen, who praised Malai Haji Abdullah’s efforts to help AWAs achieve economic sustainability and make important contributions to society.
The Embassy of United States of America in Brunei Darussalam is a supporter of Washington Bakery, and is responsible for its existence, with a grant given to SMARTER Brunei in 2014.
Yesterday’s relaunching event was also attended by the Senior Special Duties Officer at the Ministry of Education, Julaihi bin Mohammad; Educa-tional Psychologist at the Special Education Unit at the Ministry of Education, Dr Nor Irlenwati binti Haji Ismail; Acting Assistant Director at the Head of Programme and Academic Section under the Department of Schools, Hajah Lena binti Mohd Hassan; Managing Director of Cityneon Brunei, Dato Jack Ting Chai; Advisor of KOTIBA Petrol Station, Haji Gharif bin Dato Seri Lela Haji Samat; Ninan Chacko of NBT (B) Sdn Bhd; and Sharma Manambahi of It’s a Grind Coffee House.
Meanwhile, SMARTER Brunei has announced that a garage sale will be held at the Brunei Tennis Club on August 5-6. Members of the public are requested to contribute items to the sale such as clothing, household wares and stationery supplies.
Donation boxes for SMARTER Brunei are available at all Jollibee branches, until September.
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