KUANTAN: Joyful cheers and bright smiles from a group of special needs children warmed the hearts of everyone present as their dream of flying in an airplane finally came true.
The initiative was spearheaded by a teacher from the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI) at Sekolah Kebangsaan Cenderawasih here, who worked to give her students, children with autism, learning difficulties, Down Syndrome and ADHD, the unforgettable experience of air travel.
Coordinator Asmah Omar said the idea came about last year during a lesson on transportation, when most students had never flown before.
"With over 10 years of teaching special needs children, I believe they deserve the chance to experience every stage of flying, just like anyone else,” she said.
The students also underwent flight simulations to prepare them, fuelling their excitement as they counted down the days to the trip.
Asmah was also touched as parents with disabilities were among the first to register their children, determined to ensure they did not miss the opportunity.
Thirty PPKI students, accompanied by 14 teachers and 13 parents, departed Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport at 10.50am and arrived 40 minutes later at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Wednesday (Oct 8).
The itinerary includes visits to Aquaria KLCC, a Putrajaya Lake cruise and a chocolate shop tour on Thursday (Oct 9), before returning to Kuantan by plane at 6.50pm.
Asmah, who is retiring next month after 36 years in education, expressed relief that her vision has become a reality and hopes the experience will be a cherished memory for her students.
She thanked the Pahang government, corporate sponsors, individuals and parents for their support.
Meanwhile, mother Siti Roshidah Alwi, 39, said her 10-year-old son Muhammad Faris Faiz Mohd Fahmi, who has autism and ADHD, woke at 5am, eager for the flight.
"As a mother, I want him to know the world is full of opportunities. Flying may seem small to some, but for him, it’s a giant step towards exploring the world,” said the police officer, who took leave to accompany her son. — Bernama
