THE Brunei Darussalam Social Welfare Council (MKM) held an introductory briefing regarding the establishment of the newly-registered independent body yesterday to introduce members of the public and other NGOs (non-government organisations) to the new council.
The council is an independent body to induct NGOs, associations, private firms and individuals related to community and social affairs in the Sultanate all under one body.
The body was realised by Datin Hjh Adina Othman, Director of Community Development Department (Japem), a department under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, in the hopes of uniting all welfare NGOs and associations in the country into one council.
“The council is inviting all interested NGOs to register under the body and be a member of the council in order to work together in building a more peaceful and harmonious community,” said Hjh Mordiah Hj Jackia, Protem chairperson of the council.
Hjh Mordiah said that the body was officially registered by the Registrar of Organisations on December 2 last year.
“The council will have a number of activities which are in line with its mission that is to provide knowledge and to educate NGOs and individuals on the social welfare issues through training courses,” she added.
The role of the council is also to support the registered NGOs and associations in their programmes and activities, be it in the areas of youth, poverty, senior citizens or womens rights, among others.
Hjh Mordiah also said that the council aims to create a network and alliance with NGOs in Brunei where they can share best practices with other NGOs in the Sultanate and around the globe.
Besides that, the council will also organise fundraising activities for the council’s fund. The council is currently seeking financial support from government organisations (GOs) and NGOs to allow for the organisation of its activities such as research, courses and training.
The council also hopes to work closely with private sectors in relation to the company’s social corporate responsibilities by funding some of the projects.
A working committee of 15 people in the council will hold the posts in social, training and educational developments.
“MKM will work closely with the International Council on Social Welfare as well as participate with the Asean GO-NGO Forum, which will be held during the Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD) to be held in Brunei this October,” she added.
Membership is divided into two categories. A registration fee of $100 for NGO registrations with an annual fee of $50, and a registration fee of $50 for individuals with an annual fee of $30. Registration forms were also distributed after the briefing.
The introductory briefing was held at Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. Various representatives of NGOs attended the briefing, which included the National Anti-Drugs Association of Brunei Darussalam (Basmida), Women’s Business Council of Brunei Darussalam (WBC) and the Brunei Darussalam Aids Council (BDAC).
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