IN A world where every child deserves the chance to thrive, inclusive education is a key pillar in ensuring that no child, regardless of their abilities, is left behind.
This approach is especially important for children with special needs, as it provides them with the opportunities to develop their potential in a supportive and accommodating environment.
With access to proper interventions and inclusive strategies, these children can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
Recognising the importance of inclusive education for all, Pusat Permata Kurnia (PPK), under the Permata division of the Education Ministry, recently held the inaugural Karnival Lestari Intervensi Awal (KLIA) 2024.
This is to promote early autism intervention and education for children with special needs, under the slogan “A Madani Society Empowering Sustainable Early Intervention”.
Importance of early intervention
Centred around principles of “Kenali. Fahami. Sayangi” (Know. Understand. Love), the event was held at the Centre Court of AEON Alpha Angle in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur on Oct 19-20, from 10am to 6pm.
Held for the first time under the theme, “My Dream World”, the carnival served as a platform to connect the public with early intervention methods related to autism, aiming to highlight the abilities and potential of autistic children.
The event also aims to increase the visibility of early intervention and inclusive education readiness, provide opportunities for special education needs students to showcase their talents and potential toward success and offer input and support services to parents of special education needs students.
Fadhlina (fifth from left) together with the other VIPs officiating the Karnival Lestari Intervensi Awal 2024 (KLIA 2024) at AEON Alpha Angle in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur on Oct 19.
Officiated by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, the carnival kicked off with a reciting of the Rukun Negara by a young autistic student from PPK and a dance troupe performance by PPK students.
The carnival featured numerous showcases that promoted and raised awareness of autism education from the Education Ministry’s Permata division and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
It also featured booths from Mom’s and Tot’s, which supplies and sells occupational and speech therapy tools and books for children with special needs, and Autism Cafe Project, a special education school that provides employment opportunities for individuals with autism, as well as other special education schools from across the Klang Valley.
Various segments of the community attended the event, including families of PPK children, the autism communities, students from schools in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, as well as shopping mall visitors.
Empowering children through inclusive education
During the event, Fadhlina highlighted the importance of raising public awareness of special education, particularly autism education.
“We chose to hold this event in a shopping mall to ensure that our advocacy can be expanded and to increase the involvement of parents and the community,” she said.
“I hope that we can continue holding this event in the future to build confidence and trust within the autistic community, while also enhancing the compassionate and inclusive approach to education, particularly for children with special needs.”
The carnival featured numerous booths and showcases to connect the public with early intervention methods related to autism, highlighting the abilities and potential of autistic children.
She added the event, organised by the Education Ministry’s Permata division, highlights the department’s expertise and the significant role of community involvement in supporting early intervention and inclusive education initiatives.
Fadhlina said that in providing educational access to shape the success of special education needs students, new learning approaches and strategies must be enhanced in line with changing times.
“Ensuring that no child is left behind is something that we are committed to and will continue to champion.
“We are making efforts to expand access to inclusive education and early intervention, and events like this carnival are important steps toward building awareness and empowerment within the autistic community.”
Fadhlina also referenced the Ministry’s substantial allocation in the Budget 2025, showcasing the government’s commitment to ensuring that school children from all backgrounds receive the support they need.
As part of this commitment, she said that 11 new Pusat Permata autism centres will be established in each state in Peninsular Malaysia, along with the construction of two special education schools in Johor and Sabah to provide more extensive coverage and support for children with special needs.
“I hope these centres will be completed soon so they can benefit all Malaysians,” said Fadhlina.
“The allocation in Budget 2025 has provided us with a new dimension.
“First to lead the education sector more efficiently, and second, to ensure inclusivity, which means that no child gets left behind.”
She added that all segments of school children will benefit from the Budget 2025 allocation, which will oversee the establishment of new schools, upgrades to canteen facilities and improvement of underprivileged schools.
