Programme to build character in students

REPEATED references in the media on social ills and failing morals among youths today have brought about a collaboration between Azzah Abdul Rahman, a Malaysian writer and director of a Malaysian company named Digital Apprentice Management Services, and a local-based company Yamini Management Services in organising a youth development programme.

Due to the escalation of socially unacceptable behaviour such as vandalism, drug use and theft, Azzah and Ariffin Hj Hassan, project manager for Yamini Management Services, have come to the realisation that the country is in need of more programmes which focus on the personal development of youths.

To this end, they are collaborating their efforts in organising a character-building programme for primary and secondary school students which will be launched some time this month.

"Youths today are too pampered and not able to imagine themselves outside their comfort zone," said Azzah in an interview with The Brunei Times. "They are sleeping and need someone to wake them up."

Azzah's book, entitled, Pilih Jangan Tak Pilih, which is based on her four-year experience as a trainer for youth development programmes at the Malaysian National Service, will be incorporated into the pilot programme in which she shares her vast experience with the students.

Ariffin revealed that their efforts to make the programme a success involved talking to various primary and secondary schools and further expressed his hope of arranging a lecture for the programme by an official from the Narcotics Control Bureau, Royal Brunei Police Force and other relevant ministry officials.

The three-day programme involves four elements: Personality, Nationalism, Excellence and Vision. Character building is essential to this programme to help youths realise and enhance their potential as future leaders of the country.

The nationalism element will further cultivate their love for their country so that they will take the initiative to undertake the government's aspirations. "This will instill patriotism in youths to make them aware that the future of the country is in their hands," said Azzah.

Recognising that observational learning and group activities are more effective than speeches and lectures, the programme also includes activities, such as role-playing.

Yamini Management Services hopes to get the support of the Ministry of Education in the future.

The Brunei Times