KUCHING: Sarawak Federation of Women Institute (SFWI) is inviting interested people to a symposium on ‘Striking the balance of development through non-governmental organisations’ at Riverside Majestic Hotel here on May 3.

The symposium organised in conjunction with SFWI 55th anniversary aims to provide a platform for discussion and sharing of experiences and good practices on how non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can contribute to development. The one-day symposium is open to SFWI members, NGOs, government agencies and interested members of the public. Three papers will be presented during the symposium by speakers from established NGOs, educationist, writer and professional. National Council of Women’s Organisations (NCWO) assistant honorary secretary Professor Dato’ Dr Rashila Ramli will share on ‘The role of NGOs as strategic partners in development’.

Pertiwi Soup Kitchen founder Datuk Munirah Abdul Hamid will discuss ‘Reaching out to the needy and homeless’ while Yayasan Generasi Gemilang’s Education Services and Volunteer Engagement head Simpson Khoo on ‘Giving hope to needy students through education’.

For the sharing session in the afternoon, the panelists are Dr Nadrawina Isnin from UiTM Sarawak Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, National Council of Women’s Organisations (NCWO) assistant honorary secretary Professor Dato’ Dr Rashila Ramli, distinguished Toastmasters leader Dunstan Chan, Norjanah Razali from Sarawak Federation of Women’s Institutes (SFWI) and Gill Raja from Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS). Besides the symposium, there will be sales booths and an exhibition by SFWI. Registration fee is RM30 for SFWI members while RM100 for non-members.

Those interested can call the secretariat at +6082-244015 for seat reservation, or email sfwi62@hotmail.com.