Going forward with fervour

WHAT does it mean to be a youth in Bru-nei Da-russalam? Do they understand how valuable they are and do they know their role in national development?

Last year, $930,000 of the national budget was allocated to youth development programmes while a provision of $700,000 was given to the youth development centre not including another $500,000 for the allowances of students participating in courses conducted at the centre.

This was on top of the $50,000 that has been channelled to youth activities in each district: Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong.

The two main government agencies which are active in organising and conducting programmes catered for youth include the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Education supported by the private sectors as well as non-governmental organisa-tions. Forty-seven per cent of the population, about 380,000, are defined as youth, falling within the ages of 15 to 40.

About 300 participants at-tended the first National Youth Congress held last year, by far the largest ever congregation of youth at one place if we exclude the gatherings at sports and national events such as National Day. One of the participants made an interesting point when he said: "The world needs more leaders and less followers".

Those with leadership potential can be identified just by the way they speak, exhibiting the two major key qualities of a good leader: confidence and social competency. The NYC, themed Empowering the Youth: Our Voice, Our Future, is seen as a platform for voicing out the needs and aspirations of this generation.

Major issues pertaining to youth development, such as unemployment, were raised during the dialogue with several ministers representing His Majesty's government, followed by a declaration of re-solutions and action plans. One of the most important announcements made during the congress was that Brunei would be introducing the National Youth Service Programme (NYSP) similar to those implemented by neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. The curriculum will include three main com-ponents: self-development and patriotism; physical training and discipline; and, service to the community.

Another important area that has been highlighted by His Majesty is the spirit of volunteerism. In several re-ports published, the general feedback is that the spirit is strong and present in most of Brunei's youth but what is lacking is the knowledge and the proper outlet to channel this desire to contribute in terms of time and energy. Volunteerism is not a seasonal thing; it can be considered a way of life or at least, a part of it.

We have heard His Majesty, in a number of titahs, urging Brunei's youth to realise their potential and develop leadership skills towards excellence in all aspects of their lives. "I hope to see the youths of Brunei double their efforts towards increasing their fervour to succeed in any area they wish to pursue," said His Majesty during the 2008 National Youth Day.

Do something new, challenge and push yourself to the limit: if there was ever a time to shine for Bruneian youths, the time is now. The Brunei Times