BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

A NATIONWIDE Khatam Al-Quran programme for primary six pupils was held yesterday in 118 primary schools to mark the pupils’ achievements in completing the reading of the noble book.

The programme, organised by the Ministry of Education (MoE), was held separately in al l four districts and saw a total of 570 students who took part in completing the 30 Juzuk of Al-Quran.

There were 373 pupils from Brunei-Muara, 50 from Belait, 93 students from Tutong and 54 from Temburong.

One of the objectives of this programme is to inculcate and nurture a culture of reading, studying and appreciating the Quran through daily practice and teaching among primary school pupils.

This was the second time MoE organised the programme. Last year’s, saw 590 pupils from all districts took part.

Speaking at the event in Brunei Muara, Hjh Suryawati Hj Hamdan, one of the officers of the primary education schools department, said, “Khatam Al-Quran is one of the activities held in every level of education as it is part of the MoE initiatives to implant the spirits of ‘Zikir Nation’ among schools.”

“Teachers play a salient role in encouraging the pupils and young generation to be familiar with Al-Quran,” she said.

“Teachers are the second parents of the pupils and they have big responsibility in making sure that the pupils will practice reading Al-Quran from time to time,” she said.

The event in Brunei-Muara was held at the Sukma Indera Hall, Rimba II Secondary School.

Meanwhile, the event at the Mohammad Alam Primary School in Seria was attended by the Examination Director of MoE, Hjh Kamlah Hj Daud.

The Director of Curriculum Development of MoE, Hj Abdul Rahman Hj Nawi, was at the Penapar Primary School in Tutong as the guest of honour.

At the Rataie Primary School in Temburong, the guest of honour was from Planning and Estate Management Unit of MoE, Hj Omarali Hj Md Jaafar.

The ceremony in Brunei-Muara started in the morning with recital of _Al-Fatihah _and continued with collective _Khatam _recitation.

These were followed by the reading of the Tahtim Al-Quran, _Doa Khatam _and finally, the Doa Selamat.

This was the second time MoE organised the event. Last year’s event saw 590 pupils from all districts.

The Brunei Times