Royal attention: Sultan Sharafuddin taking a tour of the Special Children’s Society of Ampang accompanied by the centre’s patron Tengku Puteri Nor Zehan (left) and Wong.Selangor ruler opens centre for special kids
By FAZLEENA AZIZ
fazleena@thestar.com.my
Photos by LOW LAY PHON
THE Special Children Society of Ampang (SCSOA) Centre was officially opened by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah recently.
SCSOA is a non-profit charitable organisation providing a centre for children and adolescents with various disabilities, helping them to maximise their potential and achieve independence.
There are 60 children at the centre from the age of three to 30 years. Their disabilities range from Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebal Palsy, Global Delay, Prader Willi Syndrome, Epilepsy and slow learners.
The centre aims to provide a holistic programme and training, not only for children but their parents and families as well.
Royal attention: Sultan Sharafuddin taking a tour of the Special Children’s Society of Ampang accompanied by the centre’s patron Tengku Puteri Nor Zehan (left) and Wong.
They encourage participation from local communities by volunteering time and resources, thus allowing the children to integrate into society.
During the event, Sultan Sharafuddin was taken on a tour of the centre. He was also presented with a special artwork made by one of the children as well as treated to performances by the children.
Also present at the opening were SCSOA patron Tengku Puteri Puan Sri Nor Zehan Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Tengku Panglima Perlis Tan Sri Syed Anuar Jamalullail Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalulail, Ambassador of Cambodia Princess Royal Norodom Arunrasmy and Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) president Datuk Mohammad Yacob.
Meanwhile, the Ronald McDonald House Charities Malaysia (RMCH Malaysia) contributed RM257,000 to the centre’s new premises.
The money was raised from the annual RMCH-Tropicana Charity Golf Championship in 2005 to help start the ball rolling for the centre’s effort to get a new building.
A total of RM80,000 out of the sum raised was channelled to establish the 10th Ronald McDonald Sensory Room in Malaysia.
The facility provides a full range of sensory stimulation using ‘Snoezelen’, a multi-sensory stimulating system.
Talented: Some of the children from Special Children’s Society of Ampang Centre performing for the sultan at the opening of the centre.
SCSOA president Christine Wong said the opening marked a major milestone of achieving their dream of owning their own home after 12 years.
She added that they started in 1999 with three parents and children with toys and books borrowed from Malaysian Care’s library.
“We want a place where the handicapped and able-bodied can integrate and live on equal terms.
“We may not be fully equipped with the state of the art facilities but we are trying to get there,” she said.
Wong also thanked all their sponsors for their encouragement and support over the years.
The centre is funded by parents contributions, public donations and fund raising activities.
To contribute to the centre, call 03-4256 8719 or e-mail enquiry.scsoa@gmail.com or log on to www.scsoa.org.my. SCSOA is located at No 386, Jalan 3, Taman Ampang Utama, Ampang, Selangor.
Joyce,I found 2 pictures of the officiation and added it in to your post.
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