Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB) hosted the ‘Bersama OKU: Mewujudkan Kebersamaan’ programme yesterday to ensure individuals with disabilities, especially the visual and hearing impaired are not left behind to experience the exhibition, galleries and activities on Islamic knowledge,
The programme organised in conjunction with International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the 8th December Festival, is on until December 8.
Members of the public, especially the visually and hearing impaired, can visit BKISHHB and participate in the programme.
BKISHHB Director Dr Haji Mohammed Hussain bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Ahmad, in his welcoming speech, said the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam through continuous efforts implemented by government and non-governmental agencies always pays attention to the well-being and welfare of the citizens in the country including persons with disabilities.
“It is undeniable that agencies have worked together towards creating care and instilling the attitude of caring within the community toward persons with disabilities so that they also receive the same opportunity in all aspects and enjoy quality of life,” he said.
He added, “BKISHHB as an agency that revitalises Islamic culture, programmes and scientific activities in the Sultanate, also cares and pays attention to the needs of persons with disabilities.
“It is also to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind and can visit the nine galleries at BKISHHB.
“Through the project, BKHISHHB will also identify the improvements as a place of attraction that is friendly for persons with disabilities.” To give a unique experience to persons with disabilities, he said “BKISHHB has prepared 10 artefacts from various categories including fossils, walking stick, meteor and Al-Quran tablet that have been replicated in-house for the use of the project. Alhamdulillah, the work of replicating this has been realised with the guidance and assistance from the Brunei History Centre.
“Exhibitions at the Special Education Department at the MoE, Special Education Unit at the MoRA, Pusat Bahagia, ITQSHHB and CDC will be held during the duration of the ‘Kunjungan Golongan OKU’ project. Among the main activities offered in the programme are the audio and sign language tour to the nine galleries where the participants from the visually impaired group will receive an explanation through the audio equipment by an appointed
guide, while the participants from the hearing impaired group will receive a sign language explanation by an interpreter appointed from the Jari-Jariku Association members.
The first-time programme is being held in collaboration between BKISHHB and several governments and private agencies.
These include the Special Education Department at the Ministry of Education (MoE), Special Education Unit at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), Pusat Bahagia of the Community Development Department (JAPEM), Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (ITQSHHB), Child Development Centre (CDC) under the Ministry of Health (MoH), D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam.
Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office Ajman bin Haji Meludin, the guest of honour, also presented certificates of appreciation to the collaborating agencies. – James Kon
