Bridal Boutique Owner Shares Hibiscus Brooch-making Skills With Orphans For National Day Celebration

ARAU, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- A local bridal boutique owner has found a unique way to express patriotism by teaching 22 orphans to make hibiscus-shaped brooches in conjunction with the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) celebrations.

The initiative not only provides the children with an opportunity to learn a new skill but could also enable them to turn their handicrafts into a source of supplementary income.

Noordina Noordin, 48, said sharing her handicraft skills with the 22 occupants of the orphanage run by the Perlis Orphanage Welfare Organisation is her way of expressing love for the country while contributing to the local community.

“With National Day approaching, I am delighted to teach the children how to make hibiscus brooches, and I am providing the training free of charge.

“Malaysians have different ways of expressing their patriotism. For me, it is by sharing my skills with these children and contributing to the community,” she told reporters during the one-day creativity workshop held under the Mekar Merdeka 2026 programme here today.

She noted that the orphans could acquire new skills in making the brooches, which could eventually help them generate their own income or benefit the welfare organisation.

Noordina, who frequently participates in volunteer activities, said this was her first time taking part in a National Day-themed programme by volunteering to teach orphans how to make decorative accessories for the national celebrations.

Meanwhile, a supervisor at the orphanage, Nor Fairuz Liza Md Johari, said the creativity workshop, held in conjunction with the National Day celebrations, was the first of its kind and was made possible through the collaboration of two volunteers, including Noordina.

“There are 22 children at the orphanage, aged between seven and 17. The skills they learned today can be put into practice in the future and give them an added advantage,” she said.

One of the children, Che Ahmad Danish Abdullah, 14, said he enjoyed making the Bunga Raya (hibiscus) brooches with his peers, adding that it was his first experience learning how to create such decorative accessories.

“This workshop not only instilled the spirit of patriotism in conjunction with National Day but also introduced me to new skills,” he said.

-- BERNAMA