Kota Kinabalu: A total of 15 trainees with disabilities (OKU) from the 2024 batch have successfully completed the Level 2 Certificate in Basic Pastry Skills under the Economic Empowerment Programme (EEP), jointly organised by Sabah Cheshire Home and Services and ATI College.
The programme aims to enhance educational and vocational training opportunities for persons with disabilities, empowering them with skills for independent living and personal development.
Sabah Cheshire Home President, Lawrence Hee, said the initiative equips participants with essential vocational skills while promoting social interaction and confidence.
“Students undergo six months of both theoretical and practical training at Cheshire, followed by three months of industrial training,” he said at the Cheshire-ATI College Certificate Presentation Ceremony held at a local hotel on Friday.
Hee acknowledged the programme’s need for significant funding to support its operations—including trainers, meals, and administrative costs.
In 2024, Allianz Malaysia fully sponsored the training of the 15 trainees. In July, Sabah Cheshire also received additional support from the Human Resource Development Department, under the Sabah Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, to train another 10 OKU trainees under the SKM Pastry Production Level 2 course.
“To improve their employability, trainees were also placed for industrial training at hotels and pastry shops. These individuals require more than just skills training — they need job coaching, structured placements, and ongoing supervision,” Hee said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Community Development and People’s Wellbeing, Datuk James Ratib, in a speech delivered by Sabah Welfare Services Department Director Jais Asri, praised the initiative for ensuring equal access to education and skills development for OKU.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way. I hope the skills gained will help build a stronger sense of identity for the trainees. This certification opens up pathways for employment, sheltered workshops, or even starting their own businesses,” he said.
James also urged hotels, bakeries, and restaurants to consider hiring the trained OKU graduates, noting they are equally capable and ready to contribute.
During the ceremony, Jittnan Chang was presented with the “Best Student Award”, while Haiqal Airel Azman Abdullah received the “Excellent Performance Award 2024”.
Also present were Izwan Ariff Yaakop, CEO of ATI College, representing its Executive Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Khen Thau; Johnny Chung, Kota Kinabalu Branch Manager of Allianz Malaysia; and Joeane Lee, Executive Secretary of the Sabah Council of Social Services.