Lim (standing, fourth from right) and Penang Wesak Celebrations Committee members watching the children assemble items. With them is Raihanatul (wearing floral tudung).
Special Children’s Centre Penang, which has been up and running since 1964, ensures that the lessons the children receive will enhance them and help them live a fulfilled life.
Its president Puan Sri Raihanatul Habshiah Ibrahim Akiby said the non-governmental organisation offers early childhood education until the children turn 18 as well as skills workshops under its Cahaya Kasih Workshop programme.
“We have 30 children between the ages of four and 18 under the school programme,” she said when met at the centre in Grove Road during a visit by the Penang Wesak Celebrations Committee 2023’s charity sub-committee.
She added that 30 people between 19 and 54 years old were also taking part in the workshops to assemble electronic items and make files to earn an income.
“We run on public donations and need RM600,000 a year to operate as we have specially trained teachers here.
“As time passes, our expenses have increased and we need more teachers so we can cater to more children.
Students at Special Children’s Centre Penang showing the angpow they received. With them is the centre’s principal Katijah Bakar (right). — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
“We provide meals to the children while they are here and the meals have to be based on their special needs.
“These add to the expenses, but we want the best for these children,” she said.
Raihanatul said their school programme was from 8am to 1pm while the workshops were from 9am to 4.30pm.
“The money the special trainees make from the workshops is given to them as salary.
“We hope more contractors or companies will offer projects for them as this will help them stay busy, learn new skills and earn an income.
“We welcome donations and aid,” she said.
Raihanatul said the centre was also looking for more teachers.
“We will train the teachers as there are special requirements when teaching children with different needs,” she said.
Raihanatul said the children enjoyed visits by other organisations and that it was always nice for them to receive an angpow.
The charity sub-committee chairman Lim Kim Chuan said they make these visits before Wesak Day every year.
“We could not do this the past three years because of the Covid-19 pandemic but now, we are back to full force and leading up to the Wesak Day celebrations, we usually hold multiple charitable events.
“This time, we are giving out RM20,000 in angpow and study rewards.
“We are visiting 33 charitable organisations and institutions on the island and mainland to give out the angpow to residents and students.
“We will also be rewarding students at three schools who have excelled,” he said.
The committee has also held a blood donation drive, Dharma talks and a charity dinner for residents from old folk’s homes and other homes.
Lim said the funds were raised through donations.
“This year, things are back to normal and we can now carry out our usual activities which will include the yearly Wesak Day procession,” he said.
Wesak Day this year falls on May 4.
