By Zasika Musdi
Bandar Seri Begawan - In accordance with Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah`s aim in assisting those in need of welfare, Yayasan has continued its active involvement in providing for less fortunate students through donations in the form of books and stationery.
The presentation of donations is timely as the first school semester is just around the corner. Yayasan`s main intention is to lighten the financial burden on the students` parents.
Yesterday, Yayasan donated coupons worth $30 and $60, which can be used or exchanged at designated shops, particularly stationery shops, in Yayasan Complex.
A total of 230 applications were received this year, and donations were handed out to some 700 students; 363 students those whose families receive welfare received coupons `worth $30; 391 students those whose families do not receive welfare received coupons worth $60; and 16 students received complete sets of school uniforms, including religious school uniforms in addition to the donations. Each student also received exercise books.
The donations were presented to the parents by Hj , Mohd Roselan bin Hj Mohd Daud, member of Yayasan`s board of directors.
One of the parents, Mohd Zaini bin Hj Ibrahim, a first-time applicant, told the Bulletin that he was very grateful for the donation, which, he said, would be very beneficial for his three children, aged 16, 15 and six. Another first-time applicant, Hartini bte Kanda from Bandung, Indonesia, who married a Bruneian five years ago, said, "My husband passed away just recently, and since then I`ve been finding it difficult to provide for my family as I`m currently unemployed." She came to Brunei 14 years ago and has two children, aged five and three.
The donations were intended to encourage students to appreciate the importance of education for their future, and also to drive students towards attaining educational success. It is also hoped that such donations will send a message to society about the importance of caring for those who are less fortunate.
Also present during the ceremony were the Managing Director and senior officers of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.
Source: www.brudirect.com (29 Desember 2007)
