10 computers for the disabled

By DHARMENDER SINGH

Sia (left) speaking Ong after presenting the latter with a souvenir.

THE corporate sector has been asked to strongly support non-profit organisations that hold programmes to empower the disabled to lead independent lives.

SP Setia Foundation chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said with the help from corporate sector programmes, it would be easier for them to get jobs to provide much needed relieve.

He said the disabled need training especially in areas such as computer, which had become a norm in all work places but many lack the skills and as such faced problems getting hired.

Lee said the disabled often have the drive and eagerness to learn but could not find enough opportunity to do so or sharpen such skills and thus missed out on the chance to be gainfully employed.

Lee, who is also a social activist, was speaking to reporters after handing over a mock cheque of RM32,000 on behalf of SP Setia Foundation to the Beautiful Gate for the Disabled Foundation in Petaling Jaya, recently.

The money is for Beautiful Gate to buy 10 new computers and a printer.

Also present during the function were Datin Seri Wendy Ong (wife of Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting), Datin Seri How Teng Teng (wife of SP Setia group managing director Datuk Seri Liew Kee Sin), Beautiful Gate for the Disabled Foundation executive director Sia Siew Chin and SP Setia Foundation management committee member Capt (R) Liew Siong Sing.

Ong commended SP Setia Foundation's effort and it was Ong who had highlighted the needs of the home to the foundation after having met with Sia at a charity dinner function.

(Standing from left) How, Ong and Lee look on as the two members of Beautiful Gate check out the new computers.

“I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that the foundation had visited the home to find out their needs in a short while after I mentioned their plight,’’ she said.

Ong said apart from providing training to the disabled, the home also actively advocate the recycling programme that is being promoted by the Housing and Local Ministry by getting the disabled involved.

Sia said the new computers will not only allow the home to replace its old computers but also provide training to more people than before.

“We have 25 registered participants due to the limited computers before this but with the additional computers we can have classes for 50 participants,’’ she said.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/3/10/central/13588150&sec=central