Bandar Seri Begawan - Thousands of educators from throughout the country converged at the Bandar Seri Begawan Waterfront yesterday for a morning charity walkathon organised by the Curriculum Department of the Ministry of Education in conjunction with the 22nd Teacher's Day celebration.

The walkathon yesterday was one of the biggest and most anticipated gathering of educators in the country This year's Teacher's Day carries the theme, 'Quality Teachers, Innovative Learners.'

Minister of Education Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Awg Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong was guest of honour at the event, which also saw the presence of Minister of Religious Affairs Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pg Hj Abdul Rahman, Deputy Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yusoff bin Haji Ismail, and Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, directors, deputy directors, principals, senior officers and MoE and MoRA officials.

The energetic event started with an aerobics session led by 50 teachers from Dato Othman Primary School and Orang Kaya Besar Imas Primary School.

The walkathon kicked off with the guest of honour leading the male participants on their 3.8-km walk, following which the female participants embarked on their-2.5 km journey.

Charity stalls were also set up the night before in anticipation for the big event.

According to Jalil bin Pengarah Hj Kapitan, the ministry has collected nearly $5,800 since the distribution of the donation cards last week.

The aim of the walkathon was to raise money for charities in which the proceeds will be distributed to the Ministry of Education's Social and Welfare Fund, Sport Activities Fund and orphans.

The event also aimed to raise awareness on the importance of a healthy body through fun and entertaining activities as well as to foster relations between officers, teachers and staff members of MoE.