Surge In Numbers At Youth Development Centre
By Za'im Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - Statistics show that the Youth Development Centre is experiencing a surge in the number of applicants, registrations and graduates.

The total number of applicants (male and female) between 1997 and 2006 amounted to 3,575.

In the 2004-2005 intake, there were 148 male applicants and 417 female applicants. However, a drop in figure was noted the following year, with 100 male applicants and 301 female applicants.

Meanwhile, the number of registered male youths at the centre has increased slightly from 46 males in 20042005, to 47 in the following year.

As for their female counterpart, a slight drop in numbers has been noted.

In 2004-2005, there were 82 female youths as compared to 75 the following year.

There has also been a drop in the number of youths graduating from the centre. In the 2004-2005 intake, there were 46 males and 76 female graduates.

However, the following year saw only 42 males and 68 females graduating.

From 1996 to 2005, there were a total of 923 participants at the centre, 71 per cent of whom were females.

Of the 923 participants, 61 per cent are currently employed.

The Youth Development Centre aims to provide skills to youths who are unemployed and unable to continue their studies, providing them with advices on job opportunities available here.

The centre is located near the Tanah Jambu Housing area, Muara-Tutong Highway.

Its target group are citizens and permanent residents of Brunei Darussalam, those aged 18 and above, who are single, physically fit and able to read, write and calculate.

Meanwhile, for computer and office management courses, the applicants must have at least 2 GCE 0' Levels.

The duration of the programme is two years, with the first year dedicated to skill-training and self development programmes.

In the second year, they will be placed on attachment at either the government sector or private sector.

Prior to its establishment in 1996, the Youth Development Centre was a pilot project under the Youth and Sports Department.

It was known as the Youth Development and Training Scheme, and it ran from 1992 to 1995 at the Youth Centre in the capital.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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