Maktab Sains mentoring project officiated

THE Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College (Maktab Sains) officiated 'MS Sayang 2012' yesterday, a community outreach programme organised by the college and CfBT Brunei.

The programme assigns college students as mentors to primary pupils from local government schools.

The launch took place at the college's auditorium, where Acting Director-General of Education Pg Hjh Sarah Pg Hj Kamaluddin was present as the guest of honour. Also present were CfBT Country Manager Dr Greg Keaney, Director of Schools Hj Kassim Hj Md Yassin, principals, officers from the Ministry of Education (MoE), and students from Maktab Sains and three primary schools.

The event began with the singing of the national anthem and the recitation of the Surah Al-Fatihah. This was then followed by speeches from Chairperson and Principal of Maktab Sains Dk Sarimah Pg Hj Ahmad, Pg Hjh Sarah and Dr Keaney.

The 'MS Sayang' project was officially launched by Pg Hjh Sarah, who in her speech stated, "MS Sayang offers students the most effective and engaging experience possible in order to achieve their highest potential."

"It allows students to assume their rightful roles as active, connected and engaged citizens who make their communities and country a better place to live, work and learn in," she concluded.

The audience were then presented with a video showing scenes from the pilot run of the 'MS Sayang' project. This was followed by a certificate presentation to all the primary students involved in the project, as well as the mentors.

The pilot stage of the 'MS Sayang 2012' project had 25 pre-university students from Maktab Sains become mentors to 25 younger students from Pengiran Pekerma Setia Diraja Sahibul Bandar Primary School, Pehin Dato Jamil Primary School and Hj Tarif Primary School.

The primary school pupils had been selected based on their potential for excellence in their upcoming PSR examinations. The mentors helped the pupils through seven tutorial sessions.

The pupils, fondly referred to as 'little rising stars', worked with their mentors in four PSR subjects Malay, English, Mathematics and Science. Zatty Joanda

The Brunei Times