Bandar Seri Begawan - A group of 23 Chinese volunteers for the Brunei Programme paid a visit to Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) library yesterday.

The visit was part of the programme during their stay in Brunei. They are in the Sultanate to do a year of volunteer work in various educational institutions in Brunei.

The Premier of People's Republic of China, Wen Jiabo, sent the volunteers to offer their services in the fields of health, sports, agricultural technologies, computer and Mandarin language, a kind gesture which he offered during the 12th China Asean Summit held in Thailand.

Upon arrival at the UBD library, the Chinese delegation was greeted by the officers and staff of the library.

The group was briefed on the library background and development such as the completion of the UBD library new extension.

After the briefing, the group then visited various units and departments in the library such as the Academic Section, General Collection and Brunei Studies Section. The visit concluded with a group photo session.

Prior to the start of their volunteer work, the Chinese delegation led by Yan Yan, Vice Secretary, Volunteers Association and other senior officials, recently held a meeting with the Acting Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education (MoE), Awang Haji Suhaila bin Haji Abd Karim. The meeting was held at the MoE's conference room.

The visit was conducted to expose the Chinese volunteers to the education system in Brunei Darussalam.

During the meeting, Awang Haji Suhaila on behalf of the Ministry of Education of Brunei Darussalam thanked the People's Republic of China and the volunteers for their commitment in providing volunteer service to some of the educational institutions in Brunei.

Their services will help in the development of Brunei's education and will also strengthen the relationships between both countries.

A briefing about the educational system in Brunei, SPN21, was also delivered during the meeting. The meeting ended with the volunteers meeting the representatives from the institution where they are assigned.

Also attending the meeting were representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, senior officers and officers from the MoE and representatives from various educational institutions where the Chinese volunteers will be attached.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin