Some 60 students across nine schools participated in the ‘Empowering Children to Participate: Children’s Rights and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)’ workshop organised by the Community Development Department (JAPEM) in conjunction with World Children’s Day 2024 yesterday.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad attended the workshop in the morning session, while Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Momin attended the afternoon session. The participating schools included Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College, Ma’had Islam Brunei, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Girls Arabic Religious Secondary School, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Primary School, Sultan Sharif Ali Secondary School, Sayyidina Ali Secondary School, Sayyidina Hasan Secondary School, Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam Secondary School and Sayyidina Husain Secondary School in Jerudong.
The workshop aimed to educate participants on children’s rights and the SDGs, inspire empathy and foster advocacy and action, to encourage collaboration and creativity to address community challenges and to celebrate successes in driving meaningful change.
JAPEM Acting Director Dayangku Siti Saihalina binti Pengiran Haji Mohd Daud said, “World Children’s Day is celebrated globally on November 20, and Brunei is no exception. Brunei has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) to promote unity and awareness of children’s rights and well-being.”
She added, “Alhamdulillah, this is the 18th celebration in Brunei. This year’s theme ‘For Every Child, Every Right’ emphasises inclusivity, ensuring all children, including those with disabilities, have access to protection, love, education and a safe environment for a brighter future.”
The opening ceremony featured performances – an Adai-adai performance by RPN Kampong Bukit Beruang II Primary School students and a Generasi Berwawasan choir by students from Datu Ratna Haji Muhammad Jaafar Primary School.
Muhammad Adi Safwan bin Haji Dullah from Wawasan Brunei Secretariat Office discussed Brunei Vision 2035 and how the 17 SDGs guide the nation toward a sustainable, inclusive future.
Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (Children’s Affair) Dato Paduka Dr Haji Omar bin Haji Khalid highlighted how the CRC principles align with and support the goals of sustainable development, ensuring the protection and empowering of children as essential to achieving the SDGs. – James Kon
