Sherrie (centre) leading the performance at the tea party. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
CHILDREN from Gem and Bread, a non-governmental organisation that caters to autistic, Down Syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) individuals, celebrated the mothers, fathers and teachers with a tea party held in Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur.
Happiness filled the individuals with special needs as each one participated in singing the opening song, True Colours that was American singer Cyndi Lauper’s hit in the mid-1980s.
The performance saw the children and teachers dancing with full of energy while the parents tapped their feet to the music.
Gem and Bread founder Teresa Tan, 64, said the high-tea event was to appreciate the special needs individuals, their parents and dedicated teachers, and let them have some fun at the gathering.
“We have five full-time staff, one volunteer and two interns from France to help us run Gem and Bread.
“Our teachers are happy to see the parents at the high-tea.
“Gem and Bread enjoys holding this event as we want these parents to feel appreciated because they truly are amazing in their ability to juggle work, home and their special needs child,” she said.
Tan, who started Gem and Bread in 2014, said the tea party also offered an opportunity for parents and teachers to meet in a more relax and fun atmosphere.
Gem and Bread operations head Adrian Chee, 27, said the NGO taught life skills to the individuals with special needs and enabled them to lead better life.
“We teach the children beading, quilting and how to take care of house plants, among the many activities. It makes a difference,” he said.
Dance teacher Sherrie Aljunied was the live wire of the party where she kept the special needs children singing and dancing to various songs, including Choco Latte, that put broad smiles on the faces of all present.
