Prof Bellamy Surprises Pusat Bahagia
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - Special children from Pusat Bahagia yesterday morning received a surprise visit from a TV celebrity, Professor David Bellamy, a world leading conservationist and documentary presenter from the United Kingdom, and his wife, Rosemary.

The professor and his wife were brought on a tour of the school to observe special needs students produce art and handicraft such as greeting cards, woodwork, woven baskets and carpets, as well as Songkok and textile or Kain.

Awang Haji Rosmadee bin Haji Daud, the Assistant Director was on hand to receive Professor David Ballamy and his wife.

During the visit, Professor David Bellamy and his wife together with 13 ISB students got down to business painting one of the classrooms of Pusat Bahagia. The students participated in the activity as part of their CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) Project.

According to Mrs Debbie Canterford, CAS coordinator, "We are pleased to provide all our secondary students with an action-packed and varied CAS programme to develop their knowledge and life skills. We strongly encourage them to think of others who are less fortunate in particular and to actively find ways to help them. It is important that young people develop a sense of community spirit and generosity towards others."

The CAS programme has expanded rapidly since last year. ISB students painted several children's ward at RIPAS, creating a colourful and cartoon-filled environment for the young patients.

The students actively raised funds to purchase paint and brushes for their RIPAS CAS Project and now they are focussing on PusatBahagia.

Last year, ISB set up booths at the school to sell handicrafts produced by Pusat Bahagia, raising almost $300.

Professor Bellamy said, "It is absolutely delightful to see these young adults giving so much back to the community, both through their efforts and attitudes. I am very touched to see ISB students reaching out to improve life for others. This proves that education extends far beyond the classroom walls. They are benefiting themselves through this process as they develop greater understanding and awareness of the real world."

Aitya Yusof, a Year 8 students said, "I didn't realise how fortunate I was until I met the students here at Pusat Bahagia. I really want to beautify their surroundings and we are doing this by painting their classrooms and corridors with underwater and jungle themes to liven up the environment."

ISB has upcoming plans for a Year 8 CAS Day to be held at Pusat Bahagia where almost 60 students will spend an entire school day interacting with the special students in various activities. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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