Reaching Out And Touching A Heart
By Amin Hosni

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Institute of Medicine Charity Evening 2008 for SMARTER will be held tomorrow at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre.

The guest of honour for the night will be HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah ibni Pengiran Salleh Ab Rahaman.

Phuturephase Production artistes who will perform include Hans Anwar, Putri Norizah, Faiz, Noraishah, Fakhrul Razi, Lo Ryder, Fairuzneezan, Sri Nazrina, Joe M, Millin and Nana.

There will also be performances by the SMARTER children.

The Charity Evening themed `Reach Out, Touch a Heart' is organised by the students of the Institute of Medicine UBD in collaboration with PhuturePhase Productions, and in partnership with RTB and supported by Brunei Press, b.Mobile and Cool Tones.

All ticket holders have a chance to win many attractive lucky draw prizes.

The event aims to increase public awareness about autism in Brunei Darussalam and to raise funds for SMARTER

It is also aimed at demonstrating teamwork, organisational and leadership skills among the students, as part of their personal and professional development, as they train to become doctors.

There are 62 children diagnosed with autism who attend SMARTER Brunei. Statistics show there are 315 autistic children in Brunei Darussalam, and it is expected that number will increase in the coming years.

It is important that the public is aware of autism and how early intervention of this developmental disorder can benefit the autistic child in terms of communication, behaviour and social interaction in particular in the long term, SMARTER said.

The SMARTER Brunei (Society of the Management Autism Related issues in Training Education and Resource) headquarters is located on Jalan Sengkurong.

Established Sept 9, 2001, its programmes help children with autism -develop the needed competence and mastery of skills to be self-actualised, to become independent of members of the society, and eventually to cope and adapt to the changing world.

SMARTER uses a holistic approach to develop in children their Social, Training, Educational and Psychological Milestones (STEP) with trained therapists, attendants and other staff.

Parents of these children are involved in the course of therapy. Support from various sponsors from private and government sectors as well as many volunteers for the event has been tremendous.

Tickets range from B$15, B$25 and B$50 (inclusive of dinner).

Tickets can be purchased from the Institute of Medicine UBD, Central Lecture Theatre UBD, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Gadong, Vitaliv Health & Wellness Clinic at Warisan Complex, Sungai Tilong, The Mall, Gadong and Sugar &-Spice Restaurant, Kiulap or at the gate on the night of the event.

For enquiries, call 8854861 / 8849967. Or visit www.imcharityevening2008. blogspot.com.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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