THE series of roadshows to promote awareness among government officials on how they can contribute to NGOs for special needs individuals through voluntary deductions from their monthly pay continued yesterday at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Since last year, civil servants can choose to have part of their salary donated to non-government organisations registered under the Community Development Department (JAPEM) for special needs individuals.

The programme was announced through a circular issued by the Ministry of Finance, which said that it was in line with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's aspirations to encourage public participation in fostering a sense of social responsibility in the country.

The first series of roadshows began in October last year.

Yesterday, representatives from the organisations involved continued their plea for more government servants to contribute through the system.

The representatives addressed staff and officers from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and presented facts and information about their organisations.

They highlighted the various challenges they face, from the lack of space and facilities to an increasing requirement of staff and volunteers.

Participants were also given an insight on the individuals being helped; the blind and visually impaired, the deaf, the disabled as well as children and adults with autism and other special requirements. The briefing shared stories about the trials and successes of special needs individuals.

The eight NGOs are the Centre for Children with Special Needs (KACA), Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, Society for the Management of Autism Related Issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER), Learning Ladders Society, Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Association (PAPDA), Brunei Darussalam National Association of the Blind (BDNAB), Special Olympics Brunei Darussalam (SOBD) and the National Association of the Deaf Brunei Darussalam.

To contribute, applicants are required to state their basic information as well as the NGOs they want to donate to, the amount and duration.

The deducted amount will then be sent to suspense accounts set up by the Ministry of Finance for the respective organisations.

To date, roadshows have been held at the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Education.

The Brunei Times