Bandar Seri Begawan - The February 10 marks the beginning of the `Belia Cinta Tanah Air` programme organised by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports in conjunction with the 24th National Day of Brunei Darussalam.
This nationwide initiative aims to flare up nationalistic pride for the country by involving the youths, from all districts, to participate in activities concerning the communities, religious activities, leadership and national identity.
The `Belia Cinta Tanah Air` programme is divided into three phases where, the first phase is `Iltizam Belia dengan Orang Ramai` which loosely means Empowering the Youths with the People, where the youth will be involved in hoisting the national flag followed by distributing the flag to the residents.
During this phase, youth members from last year`s `Belia Cinta Tanah Air` programme will partcipate in the event along with the other 50 youth choosen from each districts as well as an additional of 30 youth participants from each district. This event is open for youths from the age of 15 to 25 years old and with the additional team it will later be refered as the "Local Youth".
The second phase of the programme dubbed "Menyertai Sambutan Hari Kebangsaan" which lasts from February 15 until 23, and phase three.
"Berkhidmat Untuk Masyarakat" from February 24 until 28, is where the paricipants will be joining in the practice session for the National Day, Thanksgiving Prayers for National Day and will also be participating during the National Day.
This phase is open to any youth between 15 and 25 years old from any youth associations that wants to get themselves involved during the period of preparation and the main event itself. About 40 youths will be selected for each district how ever; priority will be made for those who have never joined in any youth activities or events.
Amongs the activities in which youths participate in the districts includes religious activities, cleaning up the areas of the mosque, cooking and traditional handicraft, living with foster parents and traditional sports and recreational activities.
This programme has received the support and assistance from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, the Brunei Royal Police Force, Radio Television Brunei, Information Department, the Islamic Religious Centre, Mosque Affairs Department, the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, Brunei Muara District Office, the Belait District Office, the Tutong District Office, the Temburong District Office, Brunei Youth Council, Youth District Council, National Youth Volunteering Body and as well as other recognized companies. It is hoped that the programme it would not only benefiting the youth, but as well as the committee involvement in the program. The possitive effect on the community especially in terms of creating awareness and providing youth with activities such as this programme. In the long run, by accomplishing the programme, it would better promote a sense of patriotism and appreciation for the country within hearts of the people and especially the youths of the nation.
Source: www.brudirect.com (8 Februari 2008)
