RBAF AW gifts to orphans and special children

THE dedication and contribution of the women military personnel who have served, still serving or retired in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) were feted yesterday.

"One of the ways to honour these women was by helping and caring for them as well as their families," said 768 Capt Dk Siti Khatamalzariah Pg Kamaludin on the sidelines of a donation presentation ceremony at Berakas Garrison.

The recipients comprised 49 orphans and special needs children of the female personnel who are still in service, retired as well as deceased.

The donations were aimed at helping the families meet their expenses in celebrating the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri, she added.

Capt DK Siti Khatamalzariah, the chairperson for the event said: "We only have over 700 women military personnel. The activities reflected the attitude of charity and care for orphans as well as to increase unity among the RBAF personnel."

She said caring for special needs children is not an easy feat, so they wanted to help alleviate the family's burden, hence the decision to include them in the ceremony. The donation were contributions which have been collected from the women military personnel.

"Alhamdulillah, the response for the donation was encouraging. We received donation from all levels and we are sincere in giving this donation," she added.

Capt DK Siti Khatamalzariah also said that they plan to organise the event, which was held for the second time since 2011, annually as part of their activities for Ramadhan.

Other activities which are held during Ramadhan included Tahlil and cleaning cemeteries in memory of the late female soldiers and Nuzul Al-Quran celebration.

Deputy Commandant of RBAF Defence Academy Lieutenant Colonel Hjh Hasimah Hj Abu Bakar handed over the donations.

Also present were other RBAF female officers and female soldiers.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Ustazah Pg Sa'adiah Pg Hj Mahmud, followed by the reading of Quranic verses which was read by 20854 Cpl Rubiah Hj Dagang.

This was later followed by mass Tahlil reading.The Brunei Time