Drafting course for the disabled and transsexuals

By CHIN MUI YOON

A NEW engineering and drafting skills training programme was recently launched to enable the disabled and transsexuals to be independent and self-reliant.

The programme was organised by the Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur (West) together with www.Hati.org.my and the Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled.

The Lions Engineering and Drafting Services (LEADS) programme teaches the basic and fundamental skills of drawing constructional details of building structures. The course comprises two phases.

The first involves evening classes over three months, during which engineering drafting skills and computer knowledge will be taught.

The second phase involves the provision of job opportunities and other computer and business-related training. The programme is meant to encourage independence in earning a decent living, and the job can easily be done from home.

The course is fully subsidised by the Lions Club but those accepted for the course are required to give a RM500 deposit, which will be fully refunded upon completion of the course. A board of trustees will be formed to help find suitable jobs for those who qualify after finishing the course.

“We know that the disabled have difficulty in physical access for work, while the transsexual group faces discrimination in our society,” Women, Family and Community Development Parliamentary Secretary Chew Mei Fun said during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the three parties in Petaling Jaya on Wednesday.

“The LEADS programme is thoughtful as the scheme encourages graduates to work from home after completing Phase One of the training.

“With financial stability, we believe the graduates can then lead independent lives that are more meaningful, whereby they are able to contribute to their society.”

HATI.org.my director Kok Hee Poh said engineering drafting skills were vital to the construction industry and there were many freelancers working the job.

“All you need is a computer, a plotter and e-mail access,” said Kok, who is a civil engineer.

Kok added those qualified could earn up to RM100 per drawing. Should they work hard, they could earn RM2,000 a month from the convenience of their own homes.

Kok and Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur (West) president David Yoong appealed to educational institutions to offer the use of their premises for more courses to be held in the areas where there were more applicants.

Currently, the programme will be conducted at the Beautiful Gate centre in SS2, Petaling Jaya.

Application forms can be downloaded from www.Hati.org.my. Shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview on Dec 18 and the course starts on Jan 3.

For more information, call Kok at 013-390 4291 or e-mail heepoh@hati.org.my, or Lion Lee Lih Shyan at 012-208 1489 or visit www.lionsklwest.cjb.net.