GOOD TIME:More than 200 special children from nine PDK centres in the city, went home happy after attending the “Riang Mesra PDK” event held at the Ministry of Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing
IT was a fun-filled day for more than 200 special children, their families, volunteers and staff of the Ministry of Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing at the "Riang Mesra PDK" programme with Datin Nafesah Raja Nong Chik.
Organised by Semai Bakti, the welfare arm of the Federal Territory Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers, the programme was held at the ministry's multi-purpose hall.
The children, aged between four and 23 are from Community Based Rehabilitation programmes (PDK) in Petaling, San Peng, Kiu, Lembah Pantai, Al Mawaddah, 4 Divisyen, Titiwangsa, Permata and Putrajaya.
Nafesah, who is the wife of Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing minister Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, was happy with the turnout.
She said this was the first time all nine centres were involved in an event.
Nafesah said the event was also organised to strengthen ties between other parents and the caretakers.
"This time the turnout is good and I see more participation from the parents," she said.
She said the event meant a great deal to the children and their families.
"Events like these enable the children to interact with each other from other PDK centres.
"The children also deserve attention, love and care like other kids," she said.
Currently, PDK centres provide job-coaching programmes for the children.
"The programme provides necessary skills, so they will learn to be independent.
"So far, the programme offers culinary training and handicraft making.
"With the skills they have, they will even be able to run their own business in the future.
"The reason we came up with the programme because it is not advisable for them to stay too long in the centre.
"Instead they should be exposed to the outside world," she said.
She added that two more PDK centres will be opened in Taman Wahyu in Jalan Ipoh and Taman Seri Sentosa in Old Klang Road.
PDK Permata supervisor Heresuriatee Kamaruddin, 32, hopes that Semai Bakti would continue to organise more events annually.
"It helps to nurture the children minds. It could also be a meeting point for parents to share their hopes and plans for their children."
Norkhafizin Isa, 33, said his five-year old daughter Lily Farhani Irdina, suffers from poor vision.
"My daughter doesn't really speak to anyone but after four months at the centre, she appears to be more confident talking to people," he said.
The event started with the centres receiving RM1,000 in aid.
Later, the children from PDK 4 Divisyen took to the stage and performed a dance and sang songs.
Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin later dropped by for a surprise visit.
Besides a magic show and telematch event, other activities included face painting, sand art, a puzzle competition, and a colouring contest.
Shiqah Dania, 5, is focused on her piece of sand art as Datin Nafesah Raja Nong Chik helps out.
Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and his wife Datin Nafesah Raja Nong Chik were good sports by joining in some of the activities as well.
Muhammad Ikhwan Shahrulnizam cant contain his excitement when he gets his face painted by volunteer Anita Omar.
The special children performing for the guests at the Riang Ria Mesra event. Pix by Fariz Iswadi Ismail.
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