Quest International University Perak (QIU) has embarked on a collaboration with the Perak Association for the Intellectually Disabled (PAFID) to jointly offer a Certificate in Special Needs Education programme for all members of the public.
The programme is designed to teach special needs education to educators, caregivers, parents and members of the public.
Under this collaboration, both parties will offer a standardised syllabus for a one-year programme.
PAFID President Dato’ Dr Yeoh Beng San and QIU Registrar Muhammad MG Omar exchanged a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to formalise the deal at the recent ‘Program Santuni OKU’ event, witnessed by Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Hannah Yeoh. Also present at the ceremony was Kasih Perak chairman Datin Seri Dr Nomee Ashikin Mohammed Radzi.
The first intake is slated for the final quarter of 2019 and will target an initial batch of 10 students. There are a total of seven modules, and participants will have the opportunity to take individual modules at a particular time.
As it offers a certificate qualification, anyone who wants to learn how to facilitate and manage special needs students can join the programme. The aim is to provide educators and caretakers with the fundamental knowledge on how to handle and manage individuals with special needs.
QIU Chief Operating Officer Nicholas Goh said the collaboration was a testament to QIU’s commitment to addressing the lack of qualified special needs educators in Malaysia.
“We always need more educators, especially for those with special needs. Education is a basic human right, and it is no different for students with special needs,” he said.
“We believe that many people want to reach out and teach those with special needs, but they may not have the necessary skills and techniques.
“Our cooperation with PAFID will give them these skills. In the long-term, this will be incredibly positive for the betterment of children with special needs.
“For the past 20 years, we have conducted our training programme to train teachers from different centres throughout Malaysia, as well as Community-Based Rehabilitation centres (PDK) under the Social Welfare Department,” added PAFID President Dato’ Yeoh.
“We hope to further enhance our teaching certificate in collaboration with QIU.”
Further information can be obtained at www.qiup.edu.my.
