Education Malaysia Project #8043

Support Malaysian kids with learning disabilities

by Wings Melaka

Summary

Wings Melaka works closely with the families of children with learning disabilities - parents learn alongside their children in our Early Intervention Programme and are further empowered through parent support groups and access to a well-stocked toy and resource library. Children under our School Age Programme learn to cope better in school, and we are also moving into services for young adults this year with a focus on enhancing their quality of life.

$51,736
total goal

$9,961
remaining

316
donors

3
monthly donors

1
fundraiser

11
years

Challenge

International studies suggest that more than 10% of all children have developmental problems. Applying this to the 2005 population under 15 years, a Ministry of Health (Malaysia) study suggests that more than 850,000 children have a disability. Early intervention is critical to optimising the learning and development of children with disabilities. However, educational facilities for these children, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, are still limited.

Solution

The early childhood years lay the foundation for all areas of development, and are especially important to children with disabilities. This project provides a highly structured, specialised Early Intervention Programme, tailored to the individual needs of the child. This results in greatest benefits for the child, helps families to adapt to and learn to support the child's special needs, and facilitates successful transitions to pre-school and primary education.

Long-Term Impact

Delay in intervention leads to poor results for the child and higher costs to the family and society. Since 1998, Wings Melaka has served nearly 300 families, working in partnership with parents, empowering them to take ownership of their child's education. We have some 40 students now and aim to have 60 by year end. We also help families play effective roles in prevention and early detection through awareness building. We give special attention to disadvantaged and vulnerable families.