BRUNEI-MUARA

THE National Anti-Drug Association of Brunei Darussalam (BASMIDA) has carried out sustainable livelihood projects to help individuals begin a new life.

Five participants were presented with certificates yesterday after completing the Sewing Course for Rakan Basmida Project, at the Star Lodge Hotel in Jerudong.

“The participants are unemployed but they still have responsibilities and they are willing to learn. By providing courses like these, it is hoped that they will acquire all the necessary skills and put it to good use,” said BASMIDA president, Datin Hjh Masni Hj Mohd Ali.

“There’s a saying ‘give a man a fish and you feed him for a day but if you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime’. This is what we want to do,” she said.

“We also want to impart the message that finding a halal job is something that is in line with Islamic teachings to every individual that is able to work,” she added.

“Through this sewing course alone, the participants have learned so much. One of them is exceptionally good at sewing and wants to open a tailor shop. We will also provide her assistance on this.”

Datin Hjh Masni expressed that as a civil society organisation, BASMIDA is concerned with the high unemployment and poverty rates in Brunei.

“This is why we want to help,” she said.

The BASMIDA president also stressed that the public should not place a stigma on individuals undergoing or have undergone treatment for drug abuse. An appeal that the group has directed to the people to fully understand the challenges faced by the individuals they are out to help.

Vice President of BASMIDA , Hjh Linda Aini Abdullah, said that there are other plans to set up more courses such as baking.

“All of this became successful with the help of relevant agencies such as the Narcotics Control Bureau, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Community Development Department (JAPEM). We’d like to thank them for helping us and being a part of this.”

Present to hand over the certificates to the participants, was the guest of honour, Hj Rani Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Mohd Yusof, Acting Commissioner of Labour for the Department of Labour, Ministry of Home Affairs. Also at the event were representatives from the Narcotics Control Bureau, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Community Development Department.

The Brunei Times