Commitment is the key, teachers told

A NATIONAL level Teachers' Day celebration was held yesterday at the International Convention Centre , Berakas.

Gracing the event was His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul 'Malik were also present on the occasion.

In his opening remarks, the Minister of Education Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Rahman Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, as the event's co-chairperson, stressed that the celebration was held as a strong motivation for teachers to continue their efforts to give the highest quality of education. Touching on this year's slogan, he said that teachers should understand the importance of commitment as the basis for producing excellent educators who are not just knowledgeable but also competitive in order to mould and ultimately help build the nation.

The Ministry of Education, he said, has began implementing the five-year Strategic Plan and at the same time is in the process of restructuring the 21st Century National Education System (SPN 21), which will bring upon a major impact on the development of human resource in the country. Towards bringing the education system to a higher level requires capable teachers of quality to make it a reality.

"The ministry through the Human Resource Management Department will be maintaining in their efforts in ensuring that teachers are always prepared to provide the best," the minister said.

The ministry have made available a number of development programmes to give opportunities to educators to go through various training and exposure through visit and overseas posting in renowned educational institutes. These efforts are in line with the ministry's aspiration to uplift the image of the teaching profession.

This year, 24 teachers who are still in service, have been listed to receive the Special Recognition Award based on their achievements in producing successful students in the November 2006 Brunei-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (GCE).

At the ceremony His Majesty consented to present the "Guru Berjasa" Award to four recipients — Awg Hj Abu Bakar Hj Mohd Salleh, Dyg Hjh Hajibah Umar Awg Hj Ramli Tunggal and Hj Abdul Samat Kahar. Aside from a gold medal, they each received $12,000 cash, certificate of appreciation as well as free medical facilities which include First Class wards in government hospitals and home visits by nurses.

Another four were presented with the Teachers' Day Award — Awg Hj Abu Farhan Cadogan Edwards Abdullah, Awg Hj Abdul Lahai Lakim, Hj Awg Abdul Hamid Pehin Datu Hj Abu Bakar and Hj Mohd Hassan Sunggoh. Each of them received a plaque, $4,000 cash, a certificate of appreciation and free medical facilities which include 30 days stay annually in First Class wards in government hospitals and home visits by nurses.

Meanwhile five others were presented with the Excellent Teacher Award — Dyg Hjh Isah@Jamalliah Hj Ismail, Dyg Hjh Jainah Hj Musa, Dyg Hjh Norisah Hj Salleh, Awg Imbon Singgoh, Dyg Hjh Alimah Hj Ali and PG Hjh Jauyah PG Hj Damit. They each received a gold medal, $4,$4,000 cash, a certificate of appreciation and priority as well as backing to further their studies. The Overall Excellent Teacher Award went to Hajah Isah @ Hjh Jamilah Hj Ismail.

Those present at the ICC were also treated with a highly amusing and refreshingly energetic performance by the Orang Kaya Besar Imas Primary School's choir group.

The Brunei Times