Lyna Mohamad
The Canadian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam contributed two sets of braille books worth over BND400 to the Acute Paediatric Unit of the Women and Children’s Centre, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital and Brunei Darussalam National Association of the Blind (BDNAB) yesterday in conjunction with World Braille Day.
Canadian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Ambra Dickie presented the books at the Acute Paediatric Unit.
She said the high commission has been a supporter of early reading and encourages the love of reading in the community.
“We believe that vast knowledge can be gained from reading as well expanding one’s creativity. It is even more important to ensure that all children, including those with visual impairment and those in hospital have access to children’s literature.”
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health (MoH) Haji Maswadi bin Haji Mohsin received the book on behalf of the Acute Paediatric Unit while BDNAB President Mohammad Hamzi bin Omar received for his association.
The books cater to pre-schoolers and children up to the age of 10 and comes with English text and braille. Some have colourful pictures and illustrations that sighted children can enjoy.
The books are works of Canadian authors and illustrators describing the unique elements of Canada’s indigenous traditions and the everyday lives of children in Canada.
The high commission previously co-organised a reading session for children with Radisson Hotel and have donated books to various organisations including Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), Reading and Literacy Association of Brunei (ReLA) and the Brunei Darussalam Library Association.
