| Rokiah Mahmud |
MEMBERS of the public can now donate to the SMS Brunei Prihatin Project for the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans (DANA), which recently marked the 13th year of its establishment, since 2006.
The DANA Secretariat has handled the project successfully with the assistance of government and private agencies including Radio Television Brunei (RTB) that has been broadcasting the ‘SMS Brunei Prihatin for DANA’ promo through its television and radio networks.
This was highlighted yesterday by DANA Chief Executive Officer Dato Paduka Eddie bin Dato Paduka Haji Sunny during the launching ceremony for the project, which will run until January 31, 2019.
Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, in his capacity as the Deputy Chairman I of the DANA Board of Trustees officiated the launching ceremony.
Two telecommunications agencies – DST and Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd – have been appointed for the project.
Several government agencies are also involved with the project, including the Mosque Affairs Department and the Information Department.
Meanwhile, a number of cinema outlets will be promoting the project for free, through their advertisement slots.
Last year, SMS Brunei Prihatin successfully raised BND84,143 for DANA with the strong support of all the involved agencies.
Yesterday’s ceremony witnessed the presentation of coupons to 3,717 orphans for the purchase of school supplies for the 2019 academic year. Every orphan registered under the DANA Secretariat will receive a BND70 coupon.
Altogether, the distributed coupons amounted to BND260,190.
The coupons were handed over to the Assistant Brunei-Muara District Officer Mohd Yassin bin Haji Ahmed, Acting Belait District Officer Ridzuan bin Haji Ahmad, Tutong District Officer Shamsul Bahrin bin Haji Mohd Hussain and Acting Temburong District Officer Mohammad Khairul Shahrul bin Haji Duahim.
The coupons will be distributed to orphans across the country through their respective village heads. The coupons can be used at 30 bookstores in all four districts that have been endorsed by DANA.
The project is primarily aimed at improving the welfare of orphans, while easing the burdens of their parents and guardians in the preparations for the new school year.
DST and Progresif Cellular subscribers can make their contributions by keying in the donation amount (DANA1 for BND1, DANA5 for BND5, DANA10 for BND10, DANA15 for BND15, or DANA20 for BND20) and sending it to 38111.