Red Crescent Society gets new HQ

Amir Noor and Billah Hasan
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, August 24, 2013.

THE Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) officially opened its new headquarters yesterday at Anggerek Desa Flat, Berakas.

The keys were handed over by Acting Director of Youth and Sports Hj Abdul Malik Hj Mohammad to BDRCS President Datin Hjh Siti Hajar POKSS DP Hj Md Yussof.

BDRCS President Datin Hjh Siti Hajar (L) receiving a mock key for the new headquarters from Acting Director of Youth and Sports Hj Abdul Malik. Picture: BT/Amir Noor

In her welcoming remarks, Datin Hjh Siti Hajar pointed out that opening of BDRCS's new headquarters follows celebrations to mark its 65th anniversary this year as well as that of the International Red Crescent society, which is 150 years old. She added that the societies had worked closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross to organise the event to mark the opening of the new office.

She said she hoped the new headquarters would serve as a training ground for the association and allow them to hold more programmes especially on capacity building for its members.

Additionally, the BDRCS is looking to establish a voluntary squad as part of its long-term action plan so that it is no longer dependent on school-member units to provide emergency and disaster assistance.

The association, which is affiliated with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRCS), will be introducing a number of professional emergency assistance training programmes in order to become more effective, professional and on par with national and regional standards.

Also attending the event were commissioners from the Brunei Scouts Association and the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam. It concluded with a dikir recital by members of the BDRSC, who also celebrated Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.

 Members of the BDRCS participating in the blessing ceremony of their new headquarters yesterday. Picture: BT/Amir Noor

 Members of the BDRCS participating in the blessing ceremony of their new headquarters yesterday. Picture: BT/Amir Noor

- The Brunei Times.