Jeniffer (centre) in a group photo with The organizing committee member
KOTA KINABALU: Some 600 took part in the 3rd UMS Autism Run 2023 programme at Pusat Minda Lestari, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), here today, to raise funds for creating a new vocational centre to train children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Jennifer Balanting, the organising chairperson from the Persatuan Autisme Sabah, thanked all sponsors and attendees for without their support the programme would not be such a success.
According to her, the program was held to create a new vocational centre where this centre will train children aged 12 and above who have been diagnosed with ASD to be independent and provide them with the ability to find a job.
Jennifer giving her speech at the programme
“For your information, the vocational centre is expected to be established next to the Early Intervention Centre of the Malaysian Autism Society (Nasom) Kota Kinabalu at Taman Salut Perdana, Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP).
“An estimated 30 children will be trained and educated by six tutors. Furthermore, we are currently struggling to cope with the increase in trainees at our existing centres and need a new vocational centre. Because of this, we hope to get the help we can for these children,” she said.
In addition, she said, the Autism Run was held to foster awareness among the community as well as a better understanding of ASD, as well as to provide opportunities for families with leisure and social activities.
“Indirectly, this Autism Run event also encourages parents who are facing emotional and psychological difficulties, to have the opportunity to interact with each other and share opinions on the management of autistic children.
“Through this event, we also hope that the local community will better understand what autism is and increase their level of knowledge about the disorder,” she added.
Jennifer said the Autism Run was the result of collaboration between UMS, through the Faculty of Business, Economics and Accounting Alumni Association (FBEA), and Pusat Minda Lestari together with the Pusat Alumni.
“We would also like to express our deepest appreciation to UMS for its continuous support over the past few years, especially with the existence of the University’s Work Therapy Hospital and Speech Therapy services for the community.
“Not forgetting all the help from sponsors such as the Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Sepanggar Member of Parliament Mustapha Sakmud, Yayasan Sabah Director and Kawang Assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Ghulamhaidar Khan Bahadar and the Manager Head of the Sabah Economic Development Corporation (Sedco) Haizar Razif Hisyam Ajaz Nabijan. Likewise with the ministries, departments and other agencies such as the Permanent Secretary of the Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry Datuk Thomas Langijin, Kapayan Assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang, IKRAR, Federal Unity Ministry, Sabah Council of Social Services), GlowBest Sdn Bhd dan Axtrada Sdn Bhd,” she said.
She hopes that people who follow the run not only take but also show support for the efforts of children diagnosed with ASD and their families.
