KUCHING: The Social Welfare Department is targeting 6,500 beneficiaries nationwide under its Rhythm programme, which supports senior citizens and persons with disabilities (OKU), says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said the programme is run in collaboration with the Higher Education Ministry, giving students opportunities to engage in welfare activities and volunteerism among OKU.
"It mobilises youths and higher education students from various disciplines, such as medicine, nursing, therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy to improve the well-being of OKU.
"Their involvement will benefit the target groups in welfare institutions and community-based rehabilitation centres (PDK), besides giving them valuable field experience," she said when launching the Rhythm Phase 2: OKU Therapy programme at i-Cats University College here on Thursday (Sept 17).
Nancy said RM5mil had been allocated for the Rhythm programme nationwide, including RM1.995mil each for 133 healthy senior citizen programmes and 133 OKU therapy programmes.
Another RM1.01mil is allocated for six series of senior citizen care and OKU therapy training seminars in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
Nancy also said Rhythm Phase 2 involved a cost of RM75,000 for four locations in Sarawak, with Miri the first last Saturday (Sept 12), followed by Kuching, Sibu and Bintulu.
She said the two-day Kuching programme included sharing sessions on understanding OKU and interacting with PDK trainees through activities such as circuit training, treasure hunt and art therapy.
"This approach allows the students to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.
"It also cultivates empathy, cooperation and volunteerism," Nancy said.
She added that her ministry was committed to ensuring the Rhythm programme's continuation with support from higher education institutions, NGOs, volunteers and the private sector.
