Jais (centre) presenting a certificate of appreciation to Ng for his company’s efforts in holding car washing training sessions for OKU students.
KOTA KINABALU: A pilot programme that allows young persons with disabilities (OKU) to learn industrial car washing skills has been initiated by the Sabah Social Welfare Services Department.
Its director Jais Asri said the department decided to offer the training programme as an elective course for OKU students at its Kimanis Training and Rehabilitation Complex.
He said the programme was implemented after a proposal by its strategic partner KK Auto Detailer Sdn Bhd, which floated the idea to help improve skill levels of OKU students at the centre.
“This effort was well received before being included in the learning syllabus which is seen as being able to increase the students' skillset on completion of their training here later,” he said on Wednesday (Aug 30).
He said the skills attained by these students would help them in the working world besides making them more employable.
“Students are able to continue life outside after being equipped with such skills that will help them compete in the industry,” Jais said.
He said the department was appreciative of the efforts by KK Auto Detailer in helping disabled students prepare for the working world.
He hoped that this partnership will continue and be expanded in scope including through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to hold similar programmes in future.
The plan included extending the initiative to others districts such as Sandakan and Tawau, he said.
“We also have other plans including a personal care programme (for) the beauty and wellness sector, specifically on manicures and reflexology,” Jais said.
As such, he welcomed possible partnerships with other companies or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to conduct programmes in an effort to improve the living standards of people with disabilities.
“With a programme like this, people with disabilities will have a wide range of job opportunities and I ask that all parties work together to support the OKU community so that they are not left out.
“Parents are also advised to send their children with disabilities to the department to enable them to get appropriate training as they are also an asset for the nation's development,” he said.
KK Auto Detailer manager Amelson Ng Jing Sheng said the company decided on the initiative out of concern for the welfare of OKU students after they complete their training.
He said the firm provided knowledge and skills applicable in the working world during the car washing course.
He added that his staff exposed the students to the correct and effective way to wash vehicles without damaging them.
“After the students hone their skills, we will (take the training) to the next level,” he said.
Ng added that his company may consider offering employment opportunities to students who complete the course.
He was able to carry out the teaching sessions smoothly as the students were able to understand the techniques being taught, he added.
One of the students, Mohd Rabbani Rosdi Jeminis, 21 said he chose to enrol in the elective course as he saw it as a good opportunity to secure employment later.
“I learned the technique of washing a car using a machine and managed to master it within four days.
“After completing the course here, I will look for a job and apply the skills obtained here,” said Mohd Rabbani, who majored in computer skills at the centre.
