News Release

LDS Charities assists Klang Valley Malaysia Learning Center

Datin Fauziah Indris, President of The Selangor and Federal Territory Association for the Mentally Handicapped (SAMH), was pleased to accept educational materials, kitchen items and electronic equipment donated to Wisma Harapan by LDS Charities, an arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on October 15, 2014. "We depend on donations from outside sources to keep our school running. These resources your church has provided were sorely needed and will help us fulfill our mission of caring for the needy".

On behalf of LDS Charities, Sid and Linda Thatcher presented the educational materials and said, "Special students need special equipment to help them learn. We hope this equipment will assist towards helping these wonderful children with disabilities gain the opportunity to develop their skills for future success."

 A delightful program was presented by some of the children at the facility, filled with energetic dance and singing. The presentation was enjoyed by those in attendance, after which the group completed a tour of the school and facility.  
 Established in 1964, Wisma Harapan is a member of the Selangor & Federal Territory Association for the mentally handicapped. There are currently five centers, located in Kuala Lumpur, Klang and Jingjang, and Cheras which provide educational and vocational training for nearly 400 mentally handicapped students.

Students are admitted to the school after a medical referral.  The Early Intervention program provides training for children ages one through six and works with families to develop an individualized learning plan for use at school, as well as at home. After age six, students attend a full day of the School Program, which consists of language, mathematics, science and other skills which will help the them prepare for everyday living skills. Wisma Harapan also provides a Vocational Training Program for students over 18 years of age, with the goal of finding employment in the community workplace. Wisma Harapan also employs several of the school's "graduates" to work as teachers for the younger children. If unable to find outside employment, students are welcomed back to work in one of the centers workshops.

One student has been at the school since it opened in 1964. Mr. Giam is the oldest employee in the sheltered workshop. He is 63 years old, shy, quiet and loves coming to work at Wisma Harapan each day. He seldom misses a day of work at the center and finds great joy in having some independence as an employee of the center.

Nicholas, 26, who performed a solo for the program, enjoyed the visit by the representatives of LDS Charities.  He was happy expressing how much he enjoyed his days at the Wisma Harapan.  "I like coming here to school.  Sometimes I practice my singing at home and sometimes I practice at school", he said.  Currently he is working in the vocational workshop being a productive member of society.

 

 

 

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