Tutong - Strong and harmonious families are the building blocks of a resilient and progressive society, as well as pillars towards strong and highly integrated national development.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Awg Hj Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos believes this to be true, and the "Parenting Skills Seminar" that was held yesterday in Tutong hoped to enhance awareness on good parenting techniques, including management of family finances, among parents in the society.

The seminar was organised by the Community Development Department (JAPEM), which continues to hold activities in conjunction with the Family Day 2012 that falls every May 12. The activities are aimed at raising public awareness and disseminating as much information about family living and family matters as possible.

The seminar was held yesterday at Dewan Seri Kenangan, Tutong Civic Centre.

Awg Hj Mohd Rozan, who was the guest of honour at the seminar, said the event was a continuation of seminars previously held in other districts: Brunei-Muara District on May 15, and Temburong District on October 31.

Awg Hj Mohd Rozan said parents are the pillars of family institutions. They play an important role in guiding the family; providing the strongest level of influence in terms of inseminating love and harmony based on respect for others; and in inculcating strong religious values.

"By celebrating the Family Day annually, it could remind us that, in whatever circumstances we are in, either in happiness or sadness, in good health or sickness, family is a place for us to place hope and shelter, as well as to get support, calmness and happiness," the permanent secretary said.

"A strong family can also become a source of inspiration and raise aspiration to us to continue reaching for success for the welfare and development of our nation," he added.

Awg Hj Mohd Rozan said the success of a family is influenced not just by the resilience, patience and the level of faith that they have; it also depends on the level of responsibility, the moral strength and the parenting skills in guiding members of the family towards success.

He said issues that relate to the family institution are not new in the society. He said Islam and society look highly on the positions, tasks, roles and responsibilities of parents because it is the parents that will influence the future generation.

He added that parents are the most important drivers in educating the children and guiding the family towards building a good family institution blessed by Allah the Almighty.

The seminar focused on subjects that include family affairs from the Islamic perspective, issues that touch on financial matters and good parenting skills.

The seminar was delivered by representative officers from JAPEM, the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) and the Employees Trust Fund (TAP).

The Director of Community Development, Dyg Hjh Misnah binti Hj Bolhassan said the strength of the family institution is important in time when facing social challenges. This includes the roles and responsibilities of parents in educating their children.

In line with the theme of this year's Family Day celebration, "My Family, My Hope", the Director of JAPEM said the strength of the family institution is the strength of the community.

She said the seminar was an effort to bring about awareness to strengthen the family institution in the society, focussing on enhancing parenting skills, ways for parents to strengthen Jove or bonds within the family institution, family interaction and ways to solve various problems that a family may face.

Some 200 participants were invited to participate in the seminar, she said.