SIBU, Oct 17: Association for Children with Special Needs Sibu has moved to new premises at the Agape No. 2 building at Jalan Alan.
In a lowkey ceremony yesterday, its president Datuk Janet Lau carried the association’s registration certificate into the new building witnessed by the association’s secretary Dr Toh Teck Hock and treasurer Jimmy, as well as Wong Lay Nam who was responsible for the construction of the RM13 million building.
According to Dr Toh, in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, they had advised the public especially those connected with the association to avoid joining in the moving-in ceremony.
However, the association is considering holding a Christmas party soon for all committee members, staff and special needs children and adults.
The association officially turned 21 on September 15, 2021.
On the new premises, Dr Toh said it could house 200-300 young adults, train them to be independent and have a daily routine with work and rest hours, and to be productive.
“Of course, we do not wish any one of them to stay at home and do nothing. However, to be independent comes with responsibilities – and we need support from parents and siblings and society,” he said.
The association expects that with this new building, parents sharing in responsibilities, consistent public donations, together with their partner in this building, Methodist Care Centre, it would be able to serve the special needs adult population better.
On funding for the association, he said as a non-governmental organisation, the association needs the support of society but during the pandemic, donations were hard to come by. — DayakDaily
