A YOUNG Southeast Asian Leader Initiative (YSEALI) alumnus recently fulfilled his obligation to give back to the Bruneian community after months of searching the right group to work with, in order to relate his own experiences.

The alumnus, Basil Ali Witsqa bin Mohammad, collaborated with Relentless Academy of Performing Arts and held ‘A Day of Play’ in order provide a creative outlet for the children of Single Mama Speaks, a support group for single mothers in Brunei Darussalam.

Participants from ages five to 12 years attended the event which educated them on dance, drama and global awareness through activities at the Relentless Academy in Gadong Central.

Basil developed the idea during his time under the YSEALI programme at Kennesaw State University, based on his experiences in musical theatre and his observations of how the performing arts is a healthy avenue through which the youth can not only participate and contribute to the community, but also learn core values such as discipline, respect, perseverance and global-mindedness.

Supported by the Public Affairs Office of the US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, the one-day workshop saw the children immersing themselves in performing arts-related activities through the use of their imagination, while creating, exploring and cultivating a greater self-awareness.

Basil told the Sunday Bulletin, “This collaboration between myself, Relentless Academy of Performing Arts and Single Mama Speaks, with the support of the US Embassy, is to facilitate children in exploring their creativity and allow them to find a healthy means of self-expression that will encourage them to be socially, mentally and physically active, while building a sense of community among themselves.

“From my own experiences, I have known and do know a lot of single parents, and I understand how hard it can be – but I also know how rewarding it can be, and a great big part of that reward is seeing your children succeed, strive to be greater and achieve greatness.”