By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
BATU GAJAH: They are not seeking sympathy, but opportunities to prove what they can do.
Sekolah Semangat Maju Batu Gajah conveyed this message through the Benang Inspirasi: Perak Special Students Embroidery Competition & Special Needs Programme held at AEON Big Falim, Ipoh, on Sunday.
The programme, jointly organised with Pertubuhan Nala Duta Nusantara Malaysia (PNNM), highlighted the creativity and skills of special needs individuals through various activities, including an embroidery competition.
The competition saw Nor Aisyah Amirnorashid, 17, from PPKI Sultan Yusuf, emerge as the champion, while Nurul Afifah Ahmad Suhaimi, 24, from Bengkel Perlindungan Semangat Maju Batu Gajah, took second place.
Third place went to Nurul Ain Abdullah, 26, from Bengkel Perlindungan Semangat Maju Taiping.
Sekolah Semangat Maju Batu Gajah chairman Ooi Kah Biew said special needs individuals should be given appropriate platforms to showcase their talents and abilities.
She said such opportunities were important to allow the public to see the potential of special needs individuals, while helping to build their confidence to continue expressing themselves through their talents.
“This programme provides a meaningful platform for special needs individuals to showcase their abilities, so that they can continue to be given opportunities to shine and be appreciated by society,” she said.
Apart from the embroidery competition, visitors were also treated to singing, dance and keyboard performances, as well as a fashion show and catwalk.
The programme also featured a makeup demonstration, traditional Chinese orchestra performance, psychological counselling services, massage services, a handicraft bazaar and cosplay booths.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Jelapang assemblyman Cheah Pou Hian, while Batu Gajah MP Dr Sivakumar officiated the closing ceremony and prize presentation.
Ooi said the programme also received support from various non-governmental organisations (NGOs), sponsors, volunteers and support agencies.
“Our appreciation goes to everyone who contributed their time, energy and resources to ensure the programme ran smoothly.
“We hope efforts such as this can be continued so that society becomes more open to accepting, respecting and appreciating special needs individuals,” she said.
