Of the 10, two have successfully found jobs in the workforce.
Tham Meng Poh and Elisha Kor will undergo a three-month training stint at Minconsult Engineering Consulting’s office in Petaling Jaya and Ipoh respectively.
Kor, who was accompanied by her entire family, said: “I am definitely one of the luckier ones as not many families are willing to care for their disabled or transsexual child. My family has taught me how to be strong while the LEADS programme has given me the opportunity to be independent.”
Loh (left) presenting wheelchairbound Tham with his graduation certificate.
As for Tham, he said LEADS had helped him to discover that nothing was impossible with hard work.
Among those present at the graduation ceremony were Kelana Jaya MP Loh Seng Kok, Lions Club members, HATI committee members, representatives from Beautiful Gate for the Disabled, Rumah WAKE and various NGOs, Minconsult and Taylor’s College staff.
The LEADS programme is a collaboration between five organisations the Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur (West), HATI, Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled, Rumah WAKE and Taylor’s College Petaling Jaya.
It was initiated to offer the disabled and transsexuals the opportunity to undergo practical training in basic engineering drafting and computer skills training.
Kok Hee Poh, programme organiser and HATI core member said physically-challenged individuals and transsexuals were chosen for the programme as both groups were deprived of access to education.
“Many schools cannot accommodate the needs of the disabled, especially those in wheelchairs due to physical constraint, accessibility and mobility. As for the transsexuals, many of them are misunderstood and treated unfairly by others because of their physical features and mannerisms.
“I believe LEADS is a feasible option that allows them to acquire the much needed skills to enter the job market,” said Kok.
A collaboration effort among five organisations – the Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur (West), HATI, Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled, Rumah WAKE and Taylor’s College Petaling Jaya, LEADS was initiated to offer the disabled and transsexuals the opportunity to undergo practical training in basic engineering drafting and computer skills training.
Of the ten, two participants have successfully gained entry into the workforce industry.
Tham Meng Poh and Elisha Kor will undergo a 3-month training at the design office in Petaling Jaya and site office in Ipoh respectively with Minconsult Engineering Consulting – one of the largest engineering consulting companies in this country.
Kor, who arrived with her entire family in tow, credited the love and support she received at home as the greatest factor that gave her the courage to go the distance.
“I am definitely one of the luckier ones as not many families are willing to care for their disabled or transsexual child. My family has taught me how to be strong while the LEADS programme has given me the opportunity to be independent,” said Kor.
As for Tham, he said LEADS has helped him discovered that with hard work, nothing is impossible.
“I am grateful to our trainers for their time and effort in preparing us for the workforce industry. While sceptics might doubt the possibility of us achieving so much within the 3-month training period, I am living proof that success can be acquired if you try hard enough,” said Tham proudly.
Among those present at the Graduation Ceremony included Loh Seng Kok, Member of Parliament for Kelana Jaya, Lions Clubs members, HATI committee members, representatives from Beautiful Gate for the Disabled, Rumah WAKE and various NGOs, Minconsult and Taylor’s College staff.
According to Lion David Yoong, Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur (West) President, the LEADS programme is one of the many projects organised by this Club to aid the disadvantaged in society.
“The programme has been specially designed to help participants gain the practical skills to succeed in life. However, it is important that they take the first step, and walk the path themselves in order to prove to others that they can do it,” said Yoong.
Kok Hee Poh, programme organiser and HATI core member said physically-challenged individuals and transsexuals were chosen for the programme as both groups are deprived of access to education.
“Many schools cannot accommodate the needs of the disabled, especially those in wheelchairs due to physical constraint, accessibility and mobility. As for the transsexuals, many of them are misunderstood and treated unfairly by others because of their physical features and mannerisms. I believe LEADS is a feasible option that allows them to acquire the much needed skills to enter the job market,” said Kok.
According to Pradeep Nair, Taylor’s College Petaling Jaya COO, it is important for everyone to be ever conscious of those in need, and not let charity be an occasional affair.
“Besides taking the lead in performing community services, it is equally important for educators to teach students about the importance of giving back to society. Compassion and empathy are essential traits in order for our youth to take their productive place as leaders in the global community,” said Pradeep.
Following the success of LEADS’ first batch of participants, LIONS Club, HATI and Taylor’s College have launched the second intake. This will give the less fortunate more opportunities to get a head start in life.
Applications are now open, and interested candidates are advised to send in their forms before September 22.
Training commences October 3, 2006, with classes held twice a week for 3 months, after office hours. Classes are conducted by LEADS volunteers and trainers, and students must attend all 24 classes and complete 10 assignments in order to be eligible for graduation.
For more information, contact Lion David Yoong at 012 – 391 3981, Kok Hee Poh at 013 – 390 4291 or Azura Abdullah at 7876 3939 (Taylor’s College).
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