BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - Philippine Ambassador Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio visited centers that caters to the special needs individuals and their families in Brunei Darussalam to know the organizations and to explore potential collaborations that the Philippine Embassy may contribute to the learning environment of the students and support system for their families. The Ambassador visited SMARTER Brunei BACA Center and Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam on 18 August and 24 August 2022, respectively.

SMARTER Brunei’s Acting CEO and First Vice President Sharifah Adila Surya bte Malai Hj Abdullah met Ambassador Tirol-Ignacio and gave an overview on the organization that is run by parents and family members of individuals with autism. Ms. Adila or Teacher Deedee, as she is fondly called, underscored the importance of having the support of families of the special needs individual as the core component of a comfortable, healthy and safe life and learning environment.

In her visit to Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, Ambassador Tirol-Igancio met with its Executive/Operational Trustee, Pg Datin Hjh Noraini, who emphasized that having an educational curriculum especially for special needs individuals is important as they transition from being students at the center to an independent adult in the society able to live and work by themselves.

In both visits, Ambassador Tirol-Ignacio had the opportunity to tour the education and rehabilitation facilities, as well as observe a class in session and interact with the students and parents in the centers. 

“Recognition is vital in the development of special needs individuals. Firstly, recognizing them as equal members of our community leads to better understanding of how the community can provide assistance and support to the individuals. Secondly, recognizing the achievements, small or big, of the special needs individuals, raises awareness that these individuals can achieve great things given the right support and care by their families and their community.” Ambassador Tirol-Ignacio stated.

The meeting also looked into avenues to further raise awareness of how the support of the government and communities are important in ensuring that persons with disabilities receive the appropriate guidance and suitable programs to reach their potential and become contributors to their society. 

SMARTER Brunei and Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam are both non-government organizations committed to providing quality education, rehabilitation and training programs for individuals with special needs in the Sultanate. END.