Story and pix by Chan Lilian
COLLEGE students from KDU School of Business were recently praised by the president of the Penang Cheshire Home, Datuk Seri Khoo Keat Siew, for their efforts in highlighting issues related to the special needs community.
“You are not only pursuing academic excellence but you have also taken time to create awareness on the needs of the special needs community,” Khoo said.
“Many of these special needs people wish to live independently. Since its inception in 1978, Cheshire Home has aimed to provide training and living skills to them to enable them to live independently. I encourage the public to interact with them through various campaigns and projects to dispel the misconception we have of the disabled,” Khoo added.
When the students from KDU heard that Jagdeep Singh Deo, assemblymember for Datuk Keramat, will join them at Cheshire Home, they were greatly motivated. Thus, they had raised funds amounting to RM1,500 for the home and also carried out various awareness campaigns.
“I am very happy that you are all involved in this project. Since Pakatan Rakyat took over the Penang state government, we have carried out various programmes which are welfare based. I will get my team to help Cheshire Home to register the OKU for welfare help,” Jagdeep said.
He also contributed RM1,000 to Cheshire Home and sponsored the lunch for the residents.
In his speech, he made a poignant address to the residents of Cheshire Home who are mostly wheel-chair bound.
“When I see all of you in your wheelchairs, I am reminded of Karpal Singh. Do not let your disabilities hinder you. Everyone of you can be Karpal Singh too. I am also reminded of USA President Franklin D. Roosevelt who was also in a wheelchair and yet, he led his country in a war.”
Jagdep urged other colleges to come forward to be involved like KDU where the students spend time with the OKU community to create better awareness and understanding.