BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

HER Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha yesterday atten-ded the Girl Guides Day 2014 at the International Convention Cen-tre (ICC) in Berakas.

Her Majesty, the royal patron for the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD), in the ceremony celebrating the event, presented awards to nine girl guides in three categories.

Accompanying Her Majesty at the ceremony was HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bulkiah, HRH Princess Hjh Masna, and HRH Pengiran Anak Puteri Hjh Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.

Two recipients, Hjh Maimunah Abdullah and Hjh Jaliah Hj Md Noor were awarded the Gold Long Service Award symbolising 20 years of service while the Silver Long Service Award was presented to Norazrina Hj Tuah, Hjh Norsanam Hj Abd Aziz, and Kamilah Muhammad Hanif who have been with the PPPBD for 15 years.

The Bronze Long Service Award recipients for a decade-long membership with the association were Linda Hj Abdullah, Dk Diti Ra’inah Pg Hj Suhaimi, and Azana Hj Ahad.

The ceremony saw brownies, girl guide and ranger, young leader for girls of the PPPBD entertain the royal guests and others in several performances showcasing their unity in the association.

The PPPBD also presented a special performance and a cake cutting ceremony for Her Majesty’s recent birthday celebration.

Members of the royal family then took part in a meet-and-greet session with members of the association and invited guests.

The Chief Commissioner of the PPPBD, Hjh Siti Hafsah Hj Abdul Halim, in her welcoming remarks highlighted the progress and plans that the association has in store for the future.

This includes a tailored programme for more senior members who make up 15 per cent of the association.

Additionally, they will be revamping the educational content for younger girl guide members following the current trends and technological advances.

She also shared the positive progress of the PPPBD’s tree-planting project whereby 30 per cent of the plants have produced fruits and she also shared the results of a failed project which was an herb and vegetable project where the progress was not at where they expected it to be due to the various commitments of the members.

Girl Guides Day has been celebrated for the past 28 years where it is observed every October 7.

The Brunei Times