CHILDREN from Persatuan Dyslexia Malaysia (PDM) learning centre in Ampang, Selangor united to showcase their talent during the centre’s Malaysia Day celebration.
The enthusiastic young ones sang and played traditional Malay musical instruments to the audience’s delight.
Former deputy prime minister Tun Musa Hitam, who attended the event, said PDM helped dyslexic students develop but the latter were not recognised by the public due to lack of exposure.
“I hope this event will be a great opportunity to show the skills these kids have to offer,” he added.
The Malaysia Day celebration was to raise awareness among the public about children with learning disabilities.
PDM president Jamaliah Rahmat said they wanted to show that even though dyslexic children have a form of learning disability, they could still do everything like a normal child with proper exposure and good guidance.
“Although these children take longer to learn, they are the same as other students when it comes to performing and arts,” she said.
More than 40 dyslexic children from Ampang participated in the event with their parents and other family members.
Among the activities were a bicycle decorating competition, colouring and sale of the dyslexic children’s art.
Jamaliah hoped the stigma against children with dyslexia would reduce because they have problems only with learning.
“These children are typically more curious, creative and intuitive than average. People don’t realise they are gifted in so many more ways.
“If they are helped at an early stage, their performance will be better.
“In fact, some of the most brilliant minds of our time have been known to have dyslexia such as Albert Einstein, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison and Walt Disney,” she added.
She urged the Education Ministry to help parents of dyslexic children who apply for study leave from normal schools for a certain period (three months to a year) to send them for intensive dyslexia classes.
“There are parents who apply to send their children to us but they cannot get permission from the district education office.
“The learning module for dyslexic children is not the same as for other special needs students so we need specially trained and competent teachers,” she said.