Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, in a message in conjunction with International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024, revealed that to improve the quality of care for persons with disabilities (PWDs), the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Education (MoE), is planning to provide a Care Provider Course for recipients of the Care Provider Allowance, specifically for the care of elderly individuals with disabilities requiring assistance from others.
He expressed, “Insya Allah, through this course, family members/caregivers will be able to learn proper care giving techniques to ensure the safety of PWDs and the elderly in daily care.”
Meanwhile, this year, the 13th intake of the National Service Programme, he said, “will introduce a new training module emphasising care for various segments of the society, including PWDs. The introduction of this module reflects the nation’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and compassionate community, in line with our aspiration to ensure the well-being and active participation of all groups in national development.”
Early intervention for children with different abilities, the minister emphasised, “is another crucial aspect of ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. Early diagnosis and support not only improve developmental outcomes but also lay a strong foundation for children to achieve their full potential.”
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, the minister added, “recognises the importance of this, as reflected in the collaborative efforts between the MCYS, MoH and MoE in providing accessible support services. It is essential for families, educators and the community to work together to provide an enabling environment that nurtures these children, ensuring they are empowered to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.”
Speaking about the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024, the minister highlighted, “Alhamdulillah, December 3 this year, marks the celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024, observed by United Nations member countries, including Brunei Darussalam. The theme for the 31st celebration is ‘Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future’.”
The theme, he said, “emphasises the importance of the continued participation of PWDs at all levels, as well as the need for cooperation to create an inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities for PWDs in education, employment, and society. In addition to urging the society to support PWD leadership in advocating for their rights for more sustainable and just development, the theme also aligns with one of the four key areas of the Action Plan on Persons with Different Abilities under the Special Committee on Persons with Different Abilities, which is PWD and Community Engagement (Advocacy).”
To date, the minister said, “2,699 PWDs have been registered in the National Register of Persons with Disabilities upon confirmation from MoH. In addition, as of October, 6,156 PWDs have received Disability Allowances, with 825 receiving the double benefit of both the Old Age Pension and Disability Allowance.”
The care and welfare of PWDs continue to be a priority for the Government of His
Majesty. So far, 1,654 individuals have received the Care Provider Allowance, a special allowance provided to caregivers of PWDs according to established criteria. The care not only aims to address the special needs of PWDs but also serves as recognition of the importance of their social security in the country.
In addition to ensuring the welfare of PWDs, he said, “the Plan of Action on Persons with Different Abilities 2020-2024 under the National Council on Social Issues also emphasises strategies to increase the capacity and access of PWDs to education and income-generating opportunities so they can live independently in society.”
In terms of education, the minister highlighted, “Alhamdulillah, starting this year, the Government of His Majesty has allocated Special Education Allowances for registered institutions and special schools under the MoE. For the first time, the MCYS, the MoE, and the IMPIAN Project will hold the Special Needs Resources Exhibition and Forum: Persons with Disabilities in Education and Skills on December 8. The event will provide a one-stop platform for parents and caregivers to learn about programmes available for PWDs in schools, agencies, and PWD associations before and after attending school under the Compulsory Education Act.”
In terms of employment, recently, the Jelajah Kerjaya 2024 Recruitment Drive, organised by the JobCentre Brunei, offered 100 job opportunities in private companies and held open interviews for local job seekers, including PWDs. This collaboration, he said, “between the Department of Labour, the Manpower Planning Office, and the Lifelong Learning Centre reflects the advocacy encouraged through the Plan of Action on Persons with Different Abilities and must be further enhanced to provide equal opportunities for PWDs to contribute to the nation’s development.”
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us of the value and significant contributions of PWDs to society and national development. This celebration is not only to recognise the abilities of PWDs but also a call to action and continuous effort towards a truly inclusive and equitable world where no one is left behind, the minister said. Every individual has an important role to play in advocating for the rights of PWDs. This includes supporting an accessible and PWD-friendly environment for PWDs, educating oneself and others about the issues they face, and supporting policies that ensure equal rights. Every action, no matter how small, has a significant impact in ensuring the rights of PWDs are respected and implemented, he said.
The minister added, “I appreciate all the services, sacrifices, love, and dedication provided by family members, caregivers, and educators in caring for the welfare and well-being of PWDs. Together, we can create a world where every individual – regardless of their abilities – has the opportunity to grow, lead, and live with dignity.” – James Kon
