Rokiah Mahmud
“When I first saw him with his crutches as we registered for our courses at the Youth Development Centre (PPB), I remembered my former classmates with different abilities,” said Inspirational Award recipient Mohammad Aimann Hakem bin Abdul Hirwandy/Razali.
Mohammad Aimann Hakem was one of the 75 trainees comprising 50 males and 25 females who completed a nine-month youth development programme of 2022 session conducted under the PPB.
“In primary school, my differently-abled friend was often bullied,” he added.
“I did not want the same to happen to my coursemate. I felt that it was my responsibility to assist him throughout our training.
“As a trainee, we were required to stay at the hostel. His mobility was limited and he frequently went back and forth to the centre.
“I waited for him every morning, ready to help him to classes, workshops or anywhere we needed to go.”
As humans, he said, “it is our responsibility to help those in need, especially when we know the person is differently-abled.
“The smile on his face was more than enough for me. When he thanked me for the help, it made me happy and from then, we have become close friends.”
Permanent Secretary (Youth) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin presented the award to Mohammad Aimann Hakem at a pre-graduation ceremony at the centre’s Binadiri Hall in Kampong Tanah Jambu yesterday.
The event commenced with a passing-out ceremony to mark the conclusion of the programme.
The trainees will undertake three-month job placements at government or private agencies.
The permanent secretary also presented Best Trainee Awards for Best in Skills Training in nine courses and Best in Self Development programme in five categories.
Certificates of appreciation were also handed over to the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) marching and sports trainers, who assisted PPB and guided the trainees through marching drills and sports.
Application for the youth development programme for the 2023 session is open until January 31, 2023.
