| James Kon |
A GROUP of former students of Dato Godam Primary School gathered yesterday morning to donate cash and daily essentials to the family of Bolariffin bin Abdul Ghani, an old friend and classmate who passed away recently.
Bolariffin had been battling lung cancer for more than four years and passed away at a rest house in Bandar Seri Begawan.
The former classmates, who studied at the school from 1983 to 1987, visited Bolariffin’s family’s home at Kampong Pekan Lama in Kampong Ayer, and spoke with his wife, Masna binti Abdullah.
“Working as a guard/receptionist at the rest house, my husband suddenly collapsed and passed away,” said Masna during an interview.
She said that she is thankful for the contribution from the former students and teachers of Dato Godam Primary School.
Bolariffin’s sudden passing has also left a large financial void for Masna and her family.
“My husband left eight children aged five to 21 years. Right now I do not have a stable income, and I am hoping that the village head can help expedite the processing of our orphans’ fund application,” said Masna.
“Hopefully we can also obtain some assistance from the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) and Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. My children, who are in school, receive assistance from the Community Development Department (JAPEM).”
On behalf of the former Dato Godam Primary School students, Pengiran Haji Shahibol Esham bin Pengiran Khamis handed over the donations.
Last year, the same group of former students visited Bolariffin just before Hari Raya. At the time, Bolariffin was unemployed and the house he was previously living in was gutted by fire.
With the assistance of JAPEM and Yayasan, he and his family were relocated to their current residence in Kampong Pekan Lama.