The Star Johor bureau chief Nelson Benjamin presenting a mock cheque to Yahya at Johor Disabled Children Charitable and Cares Organisation in Johor Baru. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star
A CENTRE for special needs children in Johor Baru is planning to upgrade its multi-sensory room, thanks to a RM10,000 donation from Star Foundation.
Johor Disabled Children Charitable and Cares Organisation founder and president Dr Yahya Haidrus said the facility was set up in December 2019 to provide stimulation to its residents who are physically and mentally challenged.
“The multi-sensory room is currently equipped with bubble panels, padded floor and educational equipment to promote learning.
“Our children usually spend about 20 minutes in the room daily.
“We have noticed some positive changes after setting up the multi-sensory room as their overall mood has improved and they listen to instructions better,” he said when met at the home in Jalan Keembong 45, Taman Johor Jaya.
Yahya said the donation by Star Foundation was timely as the centre had wanted to upgrade the multi-sensory room.
“We plan to add extra equipment and make the room more comfortable.
“Parents with special needs children are also welcome to sign them up to try the room.
“There are no charges as we want the facility to be fully utilised by the community.
“They just need to make an appointment so it will not clash with our residents’ schedules,” said Yahya, who lost his leg to polio as an infant.
He thanked Star Foundation for its continuous support, as the organisation has seen a drop in contributions of at least 30% since the Covid-19 pandemic started.
The multi-sensory room was initially set up with a RM20,000 donation from Star Foundation.
Yahya says the centre has seen a drop in contributions of at least 30% since the Covid-19 pandemic started.
The centre has 20 special children with varying physical and mental challenges like autism, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Yahya said the centre’s monthly expenditure ranged from RM15,000 to RM18,000 which was needed to pay for rental, staff salaries and other operational costs.
“We are also facing a staff shortage as the job requires a lot of patience, and not many are suited for it.
“Although we only planned to take in those below 18 years old, we have residents over the age of 30 as some have been abandoned by their families,” he added.
For more information, go to www.specialchildrenhome.org.my or call 07-351 8055.
Star Foundation is the charitable arm of Star Media Group that aims to support impactful initiatives to help a diverse group of beneficiaries.
For details, visit starfoundation.com.my
