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Not far from the capital, close to the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge, fewer than 10 teachers can be seen gathering around the jetty near the Immigration Department at Kampong Sungai Lampai awaiting for their boat to Berambang Island.
The island is home to one of the oldest schools in the Sultanate, Nakhoda Abdul Rashid Primary School in Kampong Menunggol.
Among them sat the school’s principal, Haji Mohammad Suazmie bin Haji Zulkifli. Generally warm, his temperament exuded a deep sense of leadership and responsibility.
Noticing the small number of educators and on inquiring, “Are these the only teachers at the school?”, he smiled again, his eyes hidden behind a pair of sunglasses.
“The other half of the group went ahead to take care of the children,” he explained.
And so, the boat took off for Nakhoda Abdul Rashid Primary School. The boat ride was surprisingly short – around 10 minutes – until it reached Jetty Menunggol.
From the jetty, the journey continued by van. The 10-minute drive led along winding roads, with glimpses of the island’s rural landscape flashing past. At one point, the principal pointed out a towering durian tree that cast a broad canopy over the road.
The principal recalled the day when the Sultanate was hit by heavy weather. A tree had fallen, blocking the road, forcing the teachers to walk the rest of the way to school. In true island spirit, they later joined the community to clear the road, a moment that perfectly captured the resilience and solidarity that define life on Brunei’s largest riverine island. The conversations with the teachers during the ride were light-hearted, as they shared humorous anecdotes about island life.
One teacher joked about how the whole island had only one sundry shop, which they affectionately called “the mall”. “Because here on the island, it has ‘everything’,” the teacher said with a chuckle.
A TRADITIONAL SCHOOL WITH A MODERN MISSION
On arrival at the school, it felt like stepping back in time. Nakhoda Abdul Rashid Primary School, a quintessentially Bruneian school, stood proudly despite its humble appearance.
A traditional wooden structure raised on stilts, the school was built in a longhouse style, reflecting the architecture common to rural Brunei. Though it has expanded over the years to include a multi-purpose hall and a few additional buildings, its rustic charm still persists.
Originally constructed in 1961, the school was temporarily built with timber poles, kajang and nipah leaves by the local community, led by the village chief.
On June 25, 1981, it was officially inaugurated and given its current name. Despite its humble appearance, the school plays a significant role in shaping the future of its students.
The principal shared that the school currently serves 41 students with the support of 14 dedicated teachers. Many of the teachers specialise in integrating religious education with the general curriculum, a vital aspect of Brunei’s educational philosophy.
“In line with the Ministry of Education’s support, our school was chosen as a pilot project for blended learning,” Haji Suazmie said.
“This has really helped our students develop critical thinking skills and focus on logical reasoning.”
Blended learning, which combines traditional face-to-face teaching with digital resources and online activities, has become the new normal in the country’s education system, a shift accelerated by the pandemic.
Despite the school’s remote location, it has embraced the challenge, investing heavily in technology and integrating it into the curriculum to transform student learning.
The principal expressed gratitude for the ministry’s support, which provided essential tools like computers and tablets, ensuring the school remains a leader in educational transformation.
A CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY
What sets Nakhoda Abdul Rashid Primary School apart is the close bond shared among students, teachers, and the wider community.
“The students here are more communicative with their teachers, and there’s a stronger rapport,” said Haji Suazmie, who has been principal since 2017. “They enjoy coming to school, sometimes so much that they don’t even want to go home.”
Most families of the students live and work off the island, and with few facilities available, the school serves not only as a place of learning but also as a vital community hub.
The teachers have established a daily routine that supports both the students’ academic and personal development.
Central to this are five core values: attending school, completing homework, playing, reading books, and using the computer.
These values underpin the school’s holistic approach, fostering not only academic growth but also essential life skills.
“The school community is very close-knit, almost like we’re the students’ parents. They spend so much time here, from morning until 3pm, and during that time, teaching and learning are absorbed intensively.”
The sense of community extends beyond the classroom. The relationship between the school and the island’s residents is one of mutual respect and support. Many children come from families who have lived on the island for generations, and the school is seen as a cornerstone of local life.
Teachers, many of whom commute daily from the mainland, have become integral to the island community, fostering strong ties with both students and their families. The differences between Nakhoda Abdul Rashid Primary School and schools in more urban areas are striking. While the core curriculum and teaching strategies align with national standards, the atmosphere on Berambang Island is distinctly one of a kind.
A UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
“In Bandar, children have their families around them after school, but here, the students spend more time with us,” the principal said.
“They enjoy the activities at school so much that sometimes they don’t want to leave.”
He elaborated that students are encouraged to read as many books as possible throughout their six years of education, with a target of at least 3,000 books.
Additionally, he noted that the school’s numeracy and literacy rates are encouragingly high, reflecting the fruits of their dedicated efforts.
“Every school has its strengths and weaknesses,” Haji Suazmie said, adding, “but the difference here is that we have a very close bond with our students. They feel at home, and that’s something we’re proud of.”
