Seven decades represents a significant chapter in the journey of formal religious education in Brunei Darussalam. Beginning with the establishment of religious schools in 1956, the system has continued to evolve over the years in line with developments in education and the needs of the community.
Throughout this period, religious education has played an important role in providing a foundation in religious knowledge, while also shaping the character, moral values and identity of the younger generation.
On September 16, 1956, the Formal Religious Education System was officially introduced through the establishment of religious schools founded by Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam. The establishment of these religious schools marked at milestone in the history of education in the country, as religious education began to be implemented in a more structured and systematic manner through an organised school system.
Since then, the system has continued to be developed and strengthened, including in terms of curriculum, the school system, as well as teaching and learning methods. These developments have also highlighted the role of religious education in nurturing a generation with religious knowledge and understanding, while instilling Islamic values in their daily lives. In conjunction with the 70th anniversary of formal religious education in the country, the Department of Islamic Studies, Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), held the 70th Platinum Jubilee Celebration of Formal Religious Education yesterday at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Girls Arabic Religious Secondary School in Katok.
Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohammad Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan was the guest of honour.
Throughout the celebration, various activities were held, including a group Al-Quran (Murattal) Recitation Competition for teaching staff under the Department of Islamic Studies, as well as futsal, badminton, netball and ten-pin bowling tournaments involving departments under the MoRA. The event was also attended by some 800 officers and teaching staff from the MoRA. The event also witnessed the launch of the book Seven Decades of Religious Education: Evolution, Transformation and Legacy, followed by the screening of a video clip titled ‘Seven Decades of Formal Religious Education’.
One of the highlights of the culminating event was a special talk-show forum discussing the history, development and future direction of formal religious education over the past seven decades.
The forum featured two invited panellists, namely Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Awang Haji Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Awang Haji Othman and Hajah Mastuyah binti Abd Ghani, with Haji Mohd Jaya bin Haji Metussin serving as moderator. The event was further enlivened by a performance of Generasi Beriman, the theme song for the 70th Platinum Jubilee Celebration of Formal Religious Education. The performance featured a combined ensemble of students from Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (KUPU SB), Arabic schools, religious schools and Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.
Permanent Secretary at the MoRA Dr Haji Mohammed Hussain bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Ahmad, Ra’es of KUPU SB Dr Haji Arman bin Haji Asmad, Acting Secretary of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council Pengiran Ahmad Faris Ramadhani bin Pengiran Haji Sellahuddin, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious Affairs) at the MoRA Haji Shamshol bin Haji Omar and senior officials from the ministry also attended.
SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/JAMES KON
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