Much have been said in the news about S.M.A.R.T.E.R organisation, an NGO that looks after autistic children. The Brunei Times National Day Supplement page 14 captured my attention again, although much has been written about the challenges faced by the President of SMARTER many weeks ago, in trying to financially support the two autism centres in the country.
It shows that SMARTER is facing financial challenge again, to provide their services even though there is much support from parents and the public. However, I failed to see why there is not much support in terms of financial commitment. Easier said than done, I guess!
My salute goes to AnakBrunei and to all of you that supported his calendar project recently. I was thinking of how best to help SMARTER get funding to support their centres.
One part of me is saying this... imagine if we set aside one day in the year as Autism Day. We make it a voluntary contribution for people in the offices and schools, to contribute at least $1 through selling of stickers to show people's contribution or support towards SMARTER. We could get at least $100,000. That could help the Autism Center to continue to provide their services for a year.
The other part of me is saying...maybe the public should make a pitch in contributing to whatever fund raising activities SMARTER is organising. I understand there will be a five-hill challenge that will take place on 15th April 2007.
Let's all contribute and help out to keep SMARTER alive!
It shows that SMARTER is facing financial challenge again, to provide their services even though there is much support from parents and the public. However, I failed to see why there is not much support in terms of financial commitment. Easier said than done, I guess!
My salute goes to AnakBrunei and to all of you that supported his calendar project recently. I was thinking of how best to help SMARTER get funding to support their centres.
One part of me is saying this... imagine if we set aside one day in the year as Autism Day. We make it a voluntary contribution for people in the offices and schools, to contribute at least $1 through selling of stickers to show people's contribution or support towards SMARTER. We could get at least $100,000. That could help the Autism Center to continue to provide their services for a year.
The other part of me is saying...maybe the public should make a pitch in contributing to whatever fund raising activities SMARTER is organising. I understand there will be a five-hill challenge that will take place on 15th April 2007.
Let's all contribute and help out to keep SMARTER alive!
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hi pablo!
tks for the link! i've done my part too!
btw i see that bollywood is getting famous... :-)
you can get more info on SMARTER at http://smarterbrunei.multiply.com too.
yup, it's definitely an uphill struggle for local NGOs, especially smarter, as the illness itself is a mystery to most people...
senor Pablo, atu wah... the 5-hill challenge atu oredi took place kah?
BTW, thanks for linking me! i've linked yours too :)
A.Z.I.A.N. thanks for your feedback. Banar jua.. nda kan last year.. 2007 eh!.. I have edited it as well. Sorry..pakai lampu minyak tanah menaip.. ia tah nda berapa nampak..hahahaa.
nah kita atu... lain kali pakai tia cucul atu.. hee
Bhalla Saab, thanks..For your info Bollywood has been synonymous with eating rice. We do enjoy watching Shah Rukh Khan, Kajul and the rest of the gang. :)
Great and timely post JPF, today, I handed over the part proceeds from the anakbrunei charity calendar to SMARTER Brunei. I was glad to be able to help an organisation which is always "just under the radar" of the RELEVANT authorities due to ignorance and apathy in my opinion.
I could sense the frustration in the words of the president when he spoke about how the bureaucratic system makes you jump through hoops in order to receive assistance...
More here
Congrats AB... I understand there are bloggers out there who would like to contribute to SMARTER but don't know how. If you have any suggestions, that would be great!