KUANTAN: Introducing specially tailored vocational training programmes is among the measures taken by the Kuantan branch of the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) to prepare its students for a future career.
The vocational training sessions include producing a wide range of multi-coloured tie-dye artwork products, hydroponic and aquaponic farming, and baking classes.
Kuantan Nasom adviser Zuairiyah Mohd Noor described the specially designed programmes as being helpful to autistic youths to equip themselves with technical and vocational skills which will allow them to pursue their own careers.
"It will be good if the students can secure employment after leaving Nasom in the future, but we accept it has been quite tough, so we need to prepare them to be self-sufficient. In Nasom here, we have implemented suitable modules to help autistic youths equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills.
"The autistic students are not alone as their parents and siblings are also trained to assist them at home, including helping promote the products. We already have children selling their tie-dye products including shawls, tablecloth and tote bags through online platforms," she told reporters when met at the Kuantan Nasom charity food fair and bazaar at Taman Gelora here today.
Zuairiyah said the Nasom centre along Jalan Teluk Sisek here has blended the classroom syllabus with living-skills to help youths to earn their own income in the future.
"For example, when the students produce craft items, the teachers will ensure their progress is not only limited as therapy within the classroom but train them to diversify and sell it to generate an income. We try to provide all the support to allow the youths to stand on their own feet when they leave the centre.
"Even at the food fair event today, Nasom's students are selling various biscuits which they baked at school, a wide range of garden plants grown in pots and tablecloth, shawls, t-shirts and socks done through the tie-dye technique," she said, adding the support provided by the teachers and parents has been the driving force. for Nasom.
On the charity fair which is jointly organised with the Kuantan Air Force here, Zuairiyah said it has so far raised some RM40,000 through the sales of coupon booklets.
"Nasom has been receiving a lot of requests to enroll new students, but it is challenging to provide proper classes and facilities without funds. Nasom is extremely grateful to the support provided by the public who purchased the coupons to be part of the carnival concept event today," she said.
Meanwhile, Kuantan Air Base Commander, Brigadier General Ahmad Khusairi Ahmad Fadli said some 80 personnel were deployed to assist during the half-day event.
"Besides setting up the canopies, we have an exhibition booth displaying a miniature model of our fighter jets and uniforms worn by air force personnel. Since our air base here has a Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre, we hope to continue collaborating with Nasom in future events," he said.