A group of girl guides welcoming Tuanku Aishah Rohani to the high tea to mark its centennial celebration.
THE Negri Sembilan Girl Guides Association, which marked its centenary this year, has earned royal recognition for successfully organising various programmes, including international initiatives.
Its patron Negri Sembilan Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud expressed her pride in the association’s achievements and urged the uniformed body to continue its efforts, particularly in organising community-based activities.
“It makes me proud that the association has successfully organised numerous programmes at both national and international levels since its establishment.
“I was also informed that the Negri Sembilan Girl Guides Association received the Olave Award in 2008 for community-based initiatives at the international level,” said Tuanku Aishah Rohani during a high tea ceremony commemorating the association’s 100th anniversary.
The Olave Award, presented by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts at its World Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, recognises outstanding community contributions.
The award honours the memory of Lady Olave Baden-Powell, the World Chief Guide, by upholding her belief in the spirit of service.
The state chapter earned the award for its recycling project, which created positive change within the community.
Tuanku Aishah Rohani congratulated the state chapter on its successful hosting of an international camp in Kuala Pilah as part of the centennial celebrations.
State chief Raja Datin Seri Salbiah Tengku Nujumudin highlighted the numerous events held to commemorate the centenary, which included the participation of senior members, even those who are no longer active.
Among the key events were a blood donation drive at Aeon mall in Seremban 2 and a celebration at Dataran Gemas on Aug 14.
“We also plan to produce a coffee table book to document the activities and achievements of the state chapter.
“This will serve as an inspiration for future generations and help ensure the legacy continues,” said Raja Salbiah.
In Kuala Lumpur, Girl Guides Association Malaysia (GGAM) launched a fundraising initiative called “Girl Guides Cookies” in conjunction with its 108th anniversary.
(Standing, from sixth left) Soo Keng, Ang, Dr Wan Azizah, Hannah and Ouyang with guests and GGAM members during the launch of the ‘Girl Guides Cookies’ fundraising initiative in Kuala Lumpur. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
The initiative aims to support community programmes and foster dialogue among members about contributing to their local communities.
GGAM chief commissioner Datuk Yeoh Soo Keng said the initiative aligned with Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
“The initiative preserves the tradition of building leadership, teamwork and community service among our girls and leaders,” said Soo Keng during the launch in Kuala Lumpur.
The campaign, a collaboration with local brand Julie’s Biscuits, aims to sell 22,000 tins of biscuits through GGAM’s 18 branches nationwide to raise funds for activities and programmes.
“Selling cookies has been an age-old tradition within the global Girl Guides Association.
“GGAM hopes more Malaysians will join us by sending these tins of cookies to elderly homes and less fortunate children.
“Our girl guides have been saving their pocket money to buy cookies priced at RM20 per tin, which they then donate to these homes.
“As of Nov 16, close to 20,000 tins have been donated to over 120 children’s and elderly care homes,” she said.
For each tin sold by the end of December, RM10 will be allocated to the respective branch’s chief commissioner to support local programmes.
GGAM president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail emphasised that the funds raised would contribute to the holistic development of young women through branch-led programmes.
“To achieve this goal, it is vital that we sell more cookies.
“The door remains open for anyone wishing to contribute,” said the Bandar Tun Razak MP during the event.
Also present were China ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Julie’s Biscuits director Martin Ang.
Donations to GGAM can be made via RHB Bank (Account number: 21409900065918, Name: The Girl Guides Association Malaysia).
Donors should include their full names and use “Girl Guides Cookies Project” as a reference.
