Dr Madhya Zhegan, 50, is paying it forward by caring for the elderly and disabled.
“I was brought up by my parents, who always told me to do something kind or useful for someone. Because someone else has done something kind or useful for me,” said Universiti Malaya’s Senior Lecturer Dr Madhya, who regularly helps people who need care, coaching and attention to improve their livelihood.
He helps rehabilitate people with specific disabilities at various Day Vocational and Job skills Training Centres throughout the country.
“One day, some of us may suffer from disabilities. Our way of empowering the needy is hands on skills training so that they can be employed. They can lead an independent life without depending on others. My job is to empower people with sustainable living, knowledge skills, and to be healthy.
“We want to train the disabled to be talented, innovative, proactive and develop the potential to be employed,” he added.
As a program director and consultant, Dr Madya said the objective was to provide:
- To provide specific therapy for children with special needs;
- Providing academic training, curriculum, vocational, technical and career opportunities for Special needs children and adults;
- Increase the potential of children & adults with special needs are different categories;
- Provide health care programs for their betterment.
This vocational Job Skilled Based and Career Development Training Center started as a pilot project under the programme in collaboration with the Melawati Rotary Club in 2010. It enabled volunteers to provide an opportunity for children, adults and adolescents with special needs to receive treatment, therapy and educational training, vocational, job skilled based and career development training to be professionals.
The programme is managed by independent volunteers and hopes to expand its service to humanity by having more volunteers.
Dr Madya UH got involved when he was studying at 19. He, together with other volunteers, coaches and teaches the needy and deserving in soccer, athletics, art therapy, drama, dance, music and in developing IT skills with the assistance of Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (Welfare Department).
The purpose of this centre is:
- To provide support and cooperation to all parents and guardians of disabled children & adults
- Provide therapy, training, coaching and consulting
- Introducing students to potential jobs
Through its programs and activities, it will provide guidance, care and education precisely according to the abilities and shortcomings of every special child.
“We will also protect the rights of children with special needs to be given equal opportunities in various fields and activities involved in the public and private sectors.
“Create a teaching and learning environment that attracts or stimulates academic staff, therapists and specialists qualified multidisciplinary. Provide support to each parent at all times,” said Dr Madhya.
The voluntary centres focus on special needs like Down’s syndrome: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADD/ ADHD/ADHBD/ ASPERGER); Cerebral Palsy, Dyslexic/Dyspraxia/Dyscalculia, and Speech Impairment.
The other activities focus on developing: Cognitive Function, Fine Motor Skills, Gross-Motor Skills, Self-Help Skills, Writing and Reading Skills, Art Therapy, Coloring & Drawing, Handy Craft, Music Therapy, Cookery, Bakery and on Information Communication Technology (ICT).
M. Krishnamoorthy is a media coach, associate professor, and journalist who worked and freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns going undercover as a beggar, security guard, blind man, disabled salesman and Member of Parliament.
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