Pre-vocational courses open doors to jobs
By Laila Rahman

An exhibit showcasing products made by vocational students.

The Guest of Honour greets one of the pre-vocational graduates of 2000-2002.

Pre-Vocational programmes have helped most graduates obtain suitable jobs. This shows that relevant parties have been providing cooperation, which is what His Majesty's Government hopes for.

This was stated by Haji Ishaaq bin Haji Abdullah, the Deputy Permanent Secretary III at the Ministry of Education during a certificate presentation ceremony (for Pre-Vocational students of 2000-2002). It was held at the ShuTT Hall, Civil Service Institute.

Haji Ishaaq, who was also the Guest of Honour at the event, presented certificates to some 93 students, comprising those from Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College, Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab Secondary School, Lumapas, Awang Semaun Secondary School, Berakas Secondary School, Menglait Secondary School, Sultan Sharif Ali Secondary School, Sayyidina Hassana Secondary School, Bunut, Sayyidina Hussin Jerudong Secondary School, PDSM Mentiri Secondary School, Muda Hashim Secondary School, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Secondary School, Sayyidina Othman Secondary School, PAP Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Secondary School, Lumut and Perdana Wazir Secondary School.

In Brunei Darussalam, he said, educational opportunities are provided to each and every child - even those with special needs. All these, he added, would not be possible without support from the relevant parties.

The Ministry of Education has implemented measures towards the Inclusive Education System. Several amendments have been made towards the national educational system.

This had been announced during the International Special Education Conference first held in the Sultanate in 1997. This system is based on "United Nations Policy (1989-1993)" and "UNESCO Salamanca World Statement on Special Education Needs (1994) ".

Thus, the Inclusive Education Policy is to make every student in schools to be involved. In Paragraph 5, UNESCO Salamanca World Statement, it states that "it is rational and important to include children with special needs in normal schools".

The Chairperson of the ceremony was Dr. Haji Kassim bin Haji Daud, the Acting Head of Special Education Needs. He explained that 38 per cent of the graduates yesterday had been admitted for further studies in vocational schools and technical colleges.

Guests at the ceremony had the opportunity to view a mini exhibition of various products and handicrafts produced by students studying at the vocational school.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin