BERAKAS Friday 31 August 2007 - 300 officials from the Primary Education Section, Schools Department of the Ministry of Education and Principals/Deputy Principals from the four Brunei districts held a visit to the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) today as one of their annual gathering which was codenamed Professional and Social Group (PROSO). The opening ceremony was held this morning at the Pahlawan Hall in Berakas Garrison which was attended by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Puan Apsah binti Haji Abdul Majid as the guest of honour.

The PROSO opening ceremony began with the recital of Surah Al-Fatihah, National Anthem, PROSO theme song, PROSO Chairman's speech and speech from the guest of honour. The event continued with a presentation on the organisational structure of the Ministry of Defence and RBAF followed by a religious talk by the RBAF Religious Department (JAMA'AT). Presentation of certificates and souvenirs was also held at the end of the opening ceremony. After the Friday prayers, the event proceeded with the visit to RBAF units - Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF), Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) where the PROSO participants had the opportunity in the shooting event, helicopter rides and boat ride.

This gathering is one of the annual activities of the Primary Education Section, Schools Department of the Ministry of Education to commemorate the Teachers' Day celebration. The group activity, held alternately since year 2000 was organised by the State's Primary Schools Principals and Deputy Principals Committee. This year's event was hosted by the Primary Schools Principals and Deputy Principals Committee of the Brunei District II.

Other objectives of this gathering are to strengthen the ties among officers of the Primary Education Section, Schools Department with Principals/Deputy Principals and among Principals and Deputy Principals from the four districts through professional interactions. It is an opportunity for the participants to demonstrate their capabilities and talents through involvement in planned activities. It helps them to gain their knowledge on the leadership profession and education; share strategies that can increase their academic achievements through informal interactions; gain experiences that are not within their teaching career and also together contributed to charitable deeds to the Berakas Garison Surau.