His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen officiated the opening of Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam School, the first special needs school in Brunei and its state-of-the-art surau at Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam in Kampong Bengkurong yesterday.
Accompanying His Royal Highness were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Anisha Rosnah binti Adam, Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah as Chairperson of Pusat Ehsan, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Bahar and Datin Paduka Seri Dayang Hajah Mariam binti Haji Abdul Aziz, Patron of Pusat Ehsan.
Prior to the launch, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen presented tokens of appreciation to sponsors and supporters, including Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah for organising charity polo events since 2016 and founder Datin Paduka Seri Dayang Hajah Mariam binti Haji Abdul Aziz for her leadership in the centre’s development.
Other recipients included Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan, Low Ah Hai from LAH Consultants, Dato Jack Ting from Cityneon Displays and Constructions Sdn Bhd, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Junaidi bin Haji Masri, Erwienna binti Abu Bakar from Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd, Ahmad Jefri from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Alan Goh from Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd, Bernard Christian from Berakas Power Company Sdn Bhd, Lim Kian Seng, Pertama Department Store and other school sponsors.
His Royal Highness received donations of BND10,000 from BIBD presented by Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman and BND10,000 from the Chinese Embassy in Brunei Darussalam presented by Ambassador Xiao Jianguo.
His Royal Highness launched the new Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam School, where they employ a holistic approach to education, offer rehabilitation services and aimed to create an empowering and nurturing environment where every individual can thrive.
Through personalised learning programmes, specialised resources and a dedicated team of educators, the school is committed to ensuring each student receives the necessary support to succeed.
His Royal Highness also officiated the opening of the new surau and classrooms, providing a secure environment and ensuring comprehensive accessibility and inclusivity through Islamic education and practice within the premises.
Medical Trustee of Pusat Ehsan Dato Paduka Dr Haji Affendy bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin shared in a speech, “Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam School has started its operation since January 2024 after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Education. The school is the first school in the country for special needs students.
“With professional teachers as well as assistant teachers and therapists, the school offers several programmes in line with early years, primary school and a School Readiness Programme. School Readiness programme is a joint collaboration of school educational teachers and therapists of Pusat Ehsan for students to attend before joining any formal school.”
He added, “The surau will be beneficial in offering a comfortable environment for students, where activities such as religious classes and spiritual guidance sessions will enhance the well-being among students.”
Cabinet ministers and members of the diplomatic corps were also present at the event. – James Kon
