In Brunei Darussalam, a diverse array of volunteer activities and community programmes flourish, driven by both individuals and organisations committed to societal betterment.
These endeavours, undertaken without financial incentive, aim to tackle a spectrum of social, environmental, and cultural challenges confronting the community.
In accordance with the theme ‘Membudayakan Belia Pemedulian dan Prihatin’ (‘Nurturing Compassionate and Caring Youth’), the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration organised by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah showcased the participation of 750 young individuals from 12 higher learning institutions across the nation.
Highlighted for their active involvement in voluntary and community initiatives, these youths were spotlighted for their contributions not only within the Sultanate but also on regional and international platforms.
Their undertakings span across diverse fields including welfare, religious activities, entrepreneurship, technology, environmental conservation and more. Moreover, the celebration also honoured youth volunteers who play an active role in enhancing their communities.
Engaging with Nurfitrisha Aliesha binti Abdullah Chua, a representative from the Lecturer and Student Affairs Section of the Kemuda Institute, she shed light on the institute’s commitment to integrating voluntary activities and community programmes into its projects.
Nurfitrisha emphasised these initiatives aim to provide students with invaluable life-learning experiences while extending support to those in need.
She further elaborated during this year’s Ramadhan, the Student Affairs Section spearheaded various activities, rallying the institute’s student body to partake in charitable endeavours.
“We shared a poster on social media announcing our charitable event.
“We disseminated information stating we are collecting clothing items in good condition to be donated to the needy, single mothers, orphans and others.”
Simultaneously, she added, the institute forged partnerships with other agencies to distribute essential food items to those in need across the four districts. These charitable activities took place during the first and second weeks of Ramadhan.
The recipients, she continued, encompassed residents of Kampong Ayer, individuals with special needs, the underprivileged and those grappling with medical conditions. We assigned students to specific checkpoints to deliver donations to identified households and recipients.
In gauging students’ commitment to the project’s success, she shared many of these students hailed from urban areas and were unfamiliar with the daily struggles faced by these disadvantaged groups.
“Through this project, the students were exposed to certain situations that not all can afford; some struggle in leading their day-to-day lives and ponder how to survive. They also learnt that some students face difficulties in attending school, while others lack proper education.
“All of these experiences made the students more aware and exposed them to areas they wished to address and raise awareness about.
“As we come from an information technology background, we strive to raise awareness on matters related to information technology, such as cybercrime and others,” added Nurfitrisha.
Meanwhile, Dayangku Nurun Nadhirah binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim, a second-year student at the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB), shared her experience regarding the university’s commitment to offering diverse platforms for students interested in participating in voluntary and community programmes, as well as extending assistance to those in need.
“KUPU SB has tremendously encouraged its students to engage in these fields locally and internationally. Its members also comprise both local and international students.
“These platforms serve as mediums where we invite youth to take part in volunteer and community activities, which mostly focus on spiritual programmes,” added Dayangku Nurun Nadhirah.
Among the activities they have undertaken is Mukhayyam Islamy, during which they travelled to Ulu Belait, specifically to Kampong Merangking. During their time there, they collaborated with the community to clean the religious hall and assisted residents with their recitations of Surah Al-Fatihah, prayers, ablutions, and other religious practices.
“We also extended invitations to international students at KUPU SB to participate in this programme,” she added.
Another noteworthy project they were involved in was the Khidmat Tarbiyah Antarabangsa MIB held at Darul Ehsan, Selangor. During this event, the students seized the opportunity to introduce the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy and concept. Reflecting on how these volunteer activities have enriched her youth experience, Dayangku Nurun Nadhirah shared they have strengthened her character and contributed to her self-development.
Before delving into volunteer and community programmes, Nadhirah said that she was quite reserved and lacked confidence. Speaking in public was daunting for her. However, as she became more involved in these activities and pursued her studies at KUPU SB, she gradually became more active in volunteer work.
Through these experiences, her character developed, and she gained confidence. She also deepened her understanding of the MIB philosophy, and over time, she started sharing what she learnt with others.
The exposure gained from visiting various places opened up opportunities for her and other volunteers to expand their network with the people they assisted. For instance, in rural areas where homes rely on generators and kerosene lamps, the lifestyle contrasts greatly with that of the city.
This experience instilled gratitude for the conveniences they have while fostering a sense of empathy and a desire to assist others.
They recognised the importance of providing guidance to those in need, especially in matters such as reciting prayers and engaging in religious practices. Teaching them to perform Sunnat Tarawih prayers and involving them in Tedarus Al-Quran proved to be immensely beneficial.
In terms of encouraging other youths to engage in community service, Nadhirah focuses on strengthening her networking efforts. She introduces herself to youths from different universities, whether they are currently enrolled or not.
“By being actively engaged and sharing updates on social media platforms and group chats, we can encourage them to be more active in volunteer and community service activities,” she added.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Yayasan officer Dayangku Hajah Aisah binti Pengiran Haji Damit revealed that currently, approximately 3,000 members are registered as Yayasan volunteers.
She elaborated on the vision and mission of Yayasan volunteers, highlighting its dedication to supporting the foundation’s policies and providing a platform for members to contribute their services.
The mission also aims to raise awareness and understanding among the community regarding the challenges faced by less fortunate and disadvantaged groups.
Ultimately, the goal is to foster a caring, compassionate, and harmonious society while enhancing cooperation between volunteers, non-governmental organisations, and government agencies through collective social initiatives.
She further explained Yayasan volunteers are primarily focused on implementing several key initiatives.
These include the Education Intervention Programme (PIP), the Assistance Programme for Socioeconomic Enhancement (PBSE), the Charitable Project for Elderly and Needy Families (PAWEK) and the Emergency Assistance and Community Project (PBKK).
“The spirit of volunteerism needs to be instilled in the hearts of the people in this country, regardless of age, so that we can become a resilient nation in facing various future challenges, thereby serving as catalysts and drivers of progress and stability for the nation.
“Certainly, the field of volunteerism requires strength and sincerity of heart.
“If the heart is strong and sincere, no matter how great the challenges faced during service, they can surely be overcome. All of this requires unified efforts,” she added. – Rokiah Mahmud
