THE Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD) aims to conduct programmes to encourage girl guides to be creative in volunteering through community-based activities.

Speaking to The Brunei Times, Chief Commissioner of PPPBD Hjh Siti Hafsah Hj Abdul Halim observed that while family bond in Brunei is strong, volunteering, on the other hand, does not come easy for the organisation. As such, Hjh Siti Hafsah disclosed plans to expand the school-based association at the community level, in hopes that girl guide members are exposed to more community-based activities.

In fostering volunteerism, the chief commissioner said PPPBD activities are based on the United Nations Millennium Development Goals that reflects on the association's commitment to engage in community services and volunteerism.

"In line with this year's theme'Save our Planet', we are going to have a World Thinking Day. We will also have a recycling project, an International Peace Day quiz. And we will be choosing girls for training overseas," said Hjh Siti Hafsah.

"Now we have attached ourself to the youth centre, where we are going to do some kayaking, abseiling and flying fox."

The chief commissioner added that becoming a member of Girl Guides has benefits that will help develop its members professionally.

"The girls have a chance to go abroad and interact with other girls. Even when women join girl guides, we are our own bosses, we make our own decisions," she said.

"It is up to the individual girls to develop themselves... Girl Guides is an association that is meant for girls to grow up in a society dealing with social issues. I am sure they can really overcome all the social issues by joining Girl Guides," the chief commissioner added.

During PPPBD's first Community Day, Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, president of PPPBD, expressed hopes that Community Day would become a catalyst in planning full time activities which are extensive and meaningful in motivating members to strive to carry out community activities.

About 50 members of Brownie Guiders, Girls Guiders, Ranger Girls Guiders and executive committee members of PPPBD 2012 attended a special briefing yesterday at the PPPBD headquarters at Berakas.

Fung Siew Mun

The Brunei Times