THE efforts and experience of school principals and religious teachers have been lauded as valuable and important in guiding and shaping the new education officers in their leadership roles, the Acting Assistant Director of Islamic Studies, Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) said.

In her speech at Islamic Dakwah Centre, Ustazah Hjh Rusita Hj Yahya, also hoped the qualities of hardwork and sincerity that was exemplified can be a motivating factor or act as a role model for those who are new in the teaching profession.

A total of 24 recipients received Certificates of Appreciation yesterday in recognition of their contributions to the Islamic Educational Convention and Knowledge Convention 2011 in a ceremony at the Islamic Dakwah Centre.

The recipients comprised principals, senior religious teachers and working committee members of the Islamic Educational Convention and Knowledge Convention 2011.

Present to hand over the certificates was Pg Hj Anuar Pg Seri Indera Pg Hj Ismail as personal representative to Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) Hj Harun Hj Junid.

The Acting Assistant Director also identified the Knowledge Convention and Islamic Education Convention from last year as a valuable achievement having a deep impact on society.

Held for the first time, the Islamic Educational Convention 2011 brought a positive effect to Islamic knowledge while being aligned with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's titah on prioritising religious education as one of the country's main agendas, Ustazah Hjh Rusita said.

She attributed the success of both events to the working committee saying that "they have worked and sacrificed their time to ensure the event's smooth operation."

"I hope that this readiness to cooperate will continue to be practised by all education officers and principals whether it is on a department or ministry level," she added.

The Islamic Education Convention was held from November 30 until December 1, 2011 with the objective to fortify the concept of 'zikir nation'.

According to MoRA, the convention attracted over 600 local participants with 12 participants from MABIMS (Religious Affairs Ministries of Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore).

The three-day Knowledge Convention 2011, held in conjunction with His Majesty's 65th birthday celebrations, was attended by about 500 people consisting of students, parents and grassroots leaders. The Brunei Times