GEORGE TOWN: A GROUP of 19 mentally-challenged children had a whale of a time taking part in a drum circle at Tropical Spice Garden in Teluk Bahang, near here, recently.
Organised by the outlet, the one and only spice garden in Southeast Asia, the children were from the Handicapped Children’s Centre Penang.
Under the guidance of Edwin Nathaniel from Aseana Percussion Unit, the children armed with mostly drums and other musical instruments did not miss a beat when performing several simple tunes.
The musical instruments were sponsored by J.S. Music.
Nathaniel, who is passionate about special children, said music was not all about hitting the right note or perfecting the lyrics.
“It flows right from your heart. Everything that comes from the heart is beautiful.
“These special children might have some difficulties hitting the right notes but their performance was simply beautiful,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tropical Spice Garden managing director Katharine Chua said it was heartwarming to see the children performing and enjoying their outing at the outlet.
She said the activity was part of Tropical Spice Garden’s way of “giving back to society, especially the poor and needy”.
“We are all very happy to play host to these very special children. This is our bit to help them enjoy a good time,” she said.
Tropical Spice Garden, a major tourist attraction in Penang, is located on a 3.2ha site fronting the sea in Teluk Bahang. It houses more than 500 varieties of tropical herbs and spices.