Years 9-11 students who completed the five-day SDG Youth Camp, held from August 10-14, expressed the invaluable experience and knowledge that they gained.
The camp provided a platform for participants to explore and understand the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) from the context of Brunei Darussalam and global perspective.
The camp saw dialogues, visits, motivational sessions and community activities to enhance participants’ leadership, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in preparation for the International School Brunei (ISB) Borneo Global Issues Conference (BGIC) in October.
Saiyidah Nafisah binti Haji Hasmiewandi, a student at Menglait Secondary School said, “During the course of the camp, we learnt about leading a sustainable lifestyle and how we can play a part in saving the planet by making changes for the better.”
Such a programme, she added, is “very beneficial as it opens our eyes to global issues”.
As the future leaders of the world, she said the programme is inspiring and has inspired her to volunteer more. “I am looking for the right non-governmental organisation to volunteer my time and efforts.”
Shelby Fung Jien Loung from Menglait Secondary School said, “The programme was fun and educational as I also got to learn a lot about SDGs.” He also said that the programme provided him with a better understanding on the ISB BGIC, adding that he looked forward to implementing the knowledge he gained at the conference.
Meanwhile, Rania Raihanah binti Azmin from Raja Isteri Girls High School said, “I was able to make friends I know will last a long time. We even cried as we headed our separate ways.”
She added, “The programme was eye-opening as I had no prior knowledge of SDGs, and now I am very worried about the environment.”
The camp was organised by the Prime Minister’s Office, as the Secretariat to the Special National Coordination Committee (SNCC) on SDG, with support from Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) as main event partner, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, ISB, the Brunei Youth Council and Green Brunei. – James Kon
