| Fizah HAB & Ishan Ibrahim |
THE Flinders University staff and students concluded their New Colombo Plan work placement at Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei yesterday with a forum held at the Lecture Theatre of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
The forum opened with welcoming remarks by founder and President of SMARTER Brunei Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman, followed by a speech from the guest of honour, Acting Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Leah Mottram. She touched on the collaboration with SMARTER Brunei through the Colombo Plan.
“The dedicated team at SMARTER Brunei has generously shared their expertise and innovative approach to autism care with over 40 students and staff from Flinders University’s Disability and Community Inclusion Unit since the New Colombo Plan was launched in 2014,” Leah Mottram shared.
The forum continued with a sharing session by Flinders University staff Peggy Essl and June Alexander and followed by a certificate presentation for the Flinders University students by Leah Mottram and Malai Haji Abdullah.
Meanwhile, a long-time senior staff member at the SMARTER Brunei Malou Lourdes Radovan received a certificate and an award from the Acting Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam in recognition for her commendable services to autism-related issues in Brunei Darussalam.
In an interview with the Weekend Bulletin, Radovan said SMARTER Brunei has given her an opportunity to discover her real passion in life, “To be of service to individuals with autism and their families, as well as to the rest of the community.”
So how does she cope with all the hard work required for this job?
She said, “You just have to open your heart and let your love overflow from within.”
