Lee urges parents to guide children with disabilities become independent
MIRI: Parents of children with disabilities are advised to equip themselves with necessary knowledge in caring for their children.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin gave this advice during a working visit along with the women section of Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP) Senadin and Riam sub-section to Morsjaya Community-based Rehabilitation Centre (PDK) to spread the Chinese New Year cheer by giving ‘ang pow’ and goodies to more than 70 children at the PDK yesterday.
He said although the teachers and supervisor at these PDKs are well trained, it was also incumbent upon the parents to guide their children towards becoming more independent.
“The children here requires special attention, unlike normal children thus the parents should also understand the needs of their children, learn how to take care of them and not leave the task solely to the teachers and supervisors of the centre.
“It is important that the parents cooperate with the teachers and commit themselves to educating and encouraging the children because we want the children to be able to grow and be independent,” he said adding the children were assessed and will be taught skills based on their interest.
Some of the products produced by PDK Morsjaya children are key chains, pillow cases, pencil case, apron, floor mate, hair band, bead chain and currently the centre is also working on building a new mushroom house with the help of volunteers apart from its existing vegetable garden.
Lee who is also the Senadin assemblyman has been supporting PDK Morsjaya since its operation about five years ago, allocated RM18,000 for the centre’s fund raising programme this year.
Also present were PDK Morsjaya chairperson Alah Imang, Datin Kong Shui Ling ( lee’s wife) and SUPP Senadin women chief Cr Yap Siew Jin.