Bandar Seri Begawan - Twelve groups battled it out in the final round of the Group Patriotic Poetry Declamation Competition last night organised by the Islamic Da'wah Centre.

The competition was organised in commemoration of Brunei's National Day Silver Jubilee celebration with its objectives among others, was to instill patriotism among the youth.

The competition was divided into Category 'A' for students from secondary schools and Category 'B' for upper six form students, higher institutions and various youth clubs in the country.

The winner for Category 'A' was the group Laila Sari from Sekolah Tinggi Perempuan Raja Isteri (STPRI) for their performance called Senandung Anak whereas the group Ar-Raudah from Jefri Bolkiah College of Engineering won first place in Category B for their performance Bangsa Mandiri. Champions in both categories received trophies, certificates of participation and cash prizes of $700 for Category 'A' and $800 for Category B'.

First and second runner-ups also received trophies and certificates, as well as cash prizes of $500 and $400 for Category 'A' and $600 and $500 for Category 'B', respectively. Consolation prizes of $200 and certificates were also given to the remaining finalists.

Prizes and certificates were presented by Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman.

According to Hjh Hasnah Hj Omar, Acting Director of Islamic Da'wah Centre, who is also the event's chairperson, the competition which started in August, received a total of 11 participations for Category 'A' and seven for Category 'B'.

She added that the competition has proven that activities of arts which is not constricted in the teachings of Islam, are still popular and able to attract youths in Brunei.

The Brunei Times had the opportunity to speak to one of the winners of the competition.

"It took us a week to rehearse for tonight's competition and we are so excited to be crowned champions. We've made our college and our families proud," said Ak Abdul Wafi Pg Hj Azahari, who lead the ArRaudah group.

The electrical and electronic engineering student from Jefri Bolkiah College of Engineering said that their poetry themed: Bangsa Mandiri delivered a strong message which portrays a strong independent nation.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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