By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 13: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) will develop a recreational park designated for autistic children within its headquarters’ compound to encourage parents and children to socialise and enjoy the outdoors.
Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah welcomed the initiative by MBKS in its effort to achieve Child-Friendly Cities recognition under the United Nations (UN).
“This include the Council’s support for the Young Athletes Programme organised by Special Olympics Kuching Chapter.
“I hope MBKS will be the first local authority to receive the recognition as UN Child-Friendly Cities among five major areas in Sarawak, including Sibu, Miri, Bintulu and Samarahan. This is also aligns with Sarawak government’s vision for social inclusivity, in ensuring no one, especially children, is left behind,” she said in a recorded speech when officiating the programme at MBKS foyer today.
The programme, is designed to promote physical fitness, skill development and inclusive sports among young children with intellectual disabilities.
Fatimah expressed hope for other organisations and clubs, particularly those focusing on children with special needs, to emulate similar programme to empower and nurture children’s talents through a supportive and inclusive environment from a young age.
“We often stress that intervention need to start early. That’s why the government has established a One-Stop Early Intervention Centre, the first in Malaysia, which provides diagnosis, assessment, intervention, rehabilitation, therapy and preparation for schooling for children as young as possible.
“Since its establishment, 400 children are now registered with the centre in Kuching,” she said, adding that another centre will be established in Samarahan and Miri.
Meanwhile, the Young Athletes Programme provides an inclusive and welcoming environment for children aged two to seven years old, with intellectual disabilities.
This new programme fosters teamwork, integration, physical engagement, communication, and learning fundamental movement through basic sports skills like running, kicking and throwing while having fun. — DayakDaily
