Bandar Seri Begawan - Counsellors and guidance teachers are faced with various challenges and obstacles in carrying out their duties and responsibilities.

This was emphasised by the Deputy Minister of Education, Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yusoff bin Hj Ismail in a speech during an appreciation ceremony organised by the Counselling and Career Guidance Section of the Department of Schools, Ministry of Education, last night, at Manggis Mall.

The Deputy Minister further elaborated that counsellors should be equipped with appropriate knowledge, which is current as well as improving their conduct in all aspects and situations, thus being able to meet the requirements in leadership through illustration and enhancement of continuous capabilities by using present implementation methodologies of duties and responsibilities.

"At the same time, counsellors and guidance teachers should possess resilience and self-confidence, as well as dignity and high levels of leadership, so that they can provide a good example and benefits to others in carrying out their respective duties and responsibilities. This is because various issues and problems might arise, and all of these require commitment, attention and action, as well as capability in making accurate and continuous decisions," Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yusoff said.

The deputy minister also understood that the event serves as a platform to express gratitude and appreciation for various important parties which were comprised of officers from government agencies such as the Health Promotion Centre, Islamic Dakwah Centre, Community Development Department, Adat Istiadat Negara Department, Narcotics Control Bureau, Internal Security Department, Royal Brunei Police Force and the Prisons Department, as well various parties from the private sector who have provided solid cooperation and full commitment in the whole of 2012 in realising the success of programmes and activities which were organised by the Counselling and Career Guidance Section of the Department of Schools.

"As the parent of the Counselling and Career Guidance Section of the Department of Schools, the Ministry of Education has agreed that the event was held as a recognition for the contributions and the concerted efforts from all relevant parties in together achieving the mission and vision of the ministry to provide holistic education and realise the full potential of students, and also to achieve the motto 'Student is Our Priority."

Several awards and certificates were also presented to recipients from schools' representatives during last night's function including, among others, categories such as PSR Motivational Camp Programme, Schools' Active Involvement in the Lower Unit Programme, as well as a category dedicated to the involvement of parents and to representatives from various government agencies.