The Day of Action Campaign in conjunction with the International Volunteer Day 2024 was successfully organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), specifically through the Department of Youth and Sports (DYS).
Activities took place simultaneously across all four districts on Sunday.
International Volunteer Day, mandated by the United Nations, is observed annually on December 5.
It provides a unique opportunity for volunteers and organisations to celebrate efforts, share and promote their work, and contribute to peace and development by fostering recognition and integrating volunteerism into development programmes.
The celebration in Brunei Darussalam serves as a platform to unite the community in developing the spirit of volunteerism.
It symbolises solidarity and collective efforts towards positive change through collaboration at all levels of society.
The event aimed to nurture a sense of volunteerism, acknowledge active volunteers and organisations through the use of the Mengalinga application, and strengthen community unity through meaningful activities.
It also sought to enhance understanding of volunteerism through various initiatives.
In conjunction with the celebration, the Event and Appreciation Ceremony for the Day of Action Campaign was held at the Mumong Sports Complex, Belait District.
Present as the guest of honour was the Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid. Also present as the special guest was Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Nazmi bin Haji Awang Mohamad.
Senior officials from MCYS and the Ministry of Development participated in various activities.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, led by the Imam of RPN Kampung Pandan Mosque Awang Abdul Qayyum bin Haji Aminnuddin. This was followed by a welcoming speech from the Director of Youth and Sports Dayang Hajah Umi Kalthum binti Haji Abdul Karim, who chaired the event.
Subsequently, certificates and plaques of appreciation were presented to the five Trailblazers of the Mengalinga application for the 2023–2024 session by the guest of honour.
Similarly, certificates and plaques were presented to the five Highflyers of the Mengalinga application for the same session by the special guest.
To enhance the celebration, various side activities were held around Mumong Sports Complex, including the “Back to School” aid presentation to ten recipients, walkway painting, flower planting, and a practical defensive driving workshop.
The guest of honour also participated in the Day of Action Campaign activities at Kampung Pandan Community Hall, organised by IBTE Agro-Technology, Wasan, featuring a Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Programme, before proceeding to the Kampung Pandan Skate Park for mural painting and skate park beautification activities organised by the Youth of Kampung Pandan Consultative Council (MPK).
In the Brunei-Muara District, the Day of Action Campaign began at Kampong Lambak Mosque. The guest of honour was Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Awang Haji Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim.
Other attendees included the Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Culture) of MCYS Pengiran Haji Rosli bin Pengiran Haji Halus, and senior officials of MCYS.
The event commenced with the congregational Subuh prayer led by Awang Mohammad bin Haji Bagol, the mosque’s Imam, followed by a religious talk delivered by Ustaz Haji Awang Muhammad Najib bin Haji Awang from the Islamic Da’wah Centre.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of cleaned prayer robes and mosque equipment by the Supplies Association and concluded with a Doa for the Sultan and Brunei led by the mosque’s Imam. Activities included aerobics, a brisk walk, tree planting, and a mosque clean-up campaign.
Subsequent events were held at various locations, such as the Perdana Wangsa Haji Mohammad Mosque Hall in Kampong Setia, with a “Back to School” event organised by UNISSA Student Council; at the Youth Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan, featuring exhibitions and workshops on jet skiing, Jawi calligraphy, photography, and archery; and the Day of Action mural painting initiative by Brunei-Muara Cub Scouts.
The day concluded with tree planting, certificate presentations, congregational Zuhur prayers, and a convoy to deliver basic food donations to five families organised by several youth and community groups.
In Tutong District, activities took place at Tutong Sports Complex, where Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office Dayang Hajah Farida binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib was the guest of honour. Events included aerobics at the Grandstand, a brisk walk to JASTRe Tutong for flower planting, and a mural painting programme.
In Temburong District, the Day of Action began at the Kampung Rataie Community Hall with aerobics led by the PKBN programme, a Think Green cleaning campaign, tree planting, and “Kami Paduli” charitable activities. The day concluded with glamping and leisure camping activities at Pekan Bangar Community Field.
The Volunteer Activity Marathon began on November 11,2024, and will run until January 31, 2025, featuring over 100 planned activities nationwide involving various government and private agencies, NGOs, and schools.
Registrations are open via the Mengalinga application, Instagram accounts @jbs.bn, @dayofaction.brunei, and @hab.belia. – Daniel Lim
