IN MALAYSIA, the mention of 'Kiwanis' would make people think of the centre for Down Syndrome children.

Actually the name Kiwanis originated from an American Indian expression which means "we trade" or "we share our talents".

Members of the Kiwanis Club are volunteers.

Among others, Kiwanis club members help shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, mentor the disadvantaged, and care for the sick.

They also build playgrounds and raise funds for research on children. The Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur (KCKL), in 1976, became the first Kiwanis club to be established in Malaysia.

It was established by the then returning Ambassador to the United States, Tan Sri Khir Johari who was affectionately called 'Bapa Kiwanis'.

KDSF NATIONAL CENTRE PETALING JAYA

According to the administration director of the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation (KDSF) National Centre in Petaling Jaya, Angie Heng, the establishment originated as the KDSF Petaling Jaya Centre on Sept 11, 1989 via the effort of the KCKL.

Located at No 59 on Jalan Gasing, the centre started operations with two teachers and 15 children. It grew steadily over the years and in 1999 a next-door bungalow was rented as the enrollment grew to 100 children and many more on the waiting list.

By the year 2003, the centre had an enrollment of 160 children, 12 teachers and two administrative staff. In 2004, the centre moved to a bigger premises, built totally on public funding, at Sungai Kayu Ara in Petaling Jaya.

The new premises, located at Lot 1490, Jalan Jenjarum, off Jalan SS23/1, Taman Sea, 47400, Petaling Jaya , can accommodate classes for up to 300 Down Syndrome children.

Its patron is Toh Puan Ena Ling, wife of former MCA president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik.

MORE CENTRES SET UP ACROSS MALAYSIA

Heng said in 1991, a second Kiwanis Down Syndrome centre was set up in Johor Baharu (by the Kiwanis Club of Johor Baharu) with association to the KDSF.

More centres followed. The Klang centre was set up in 1994, Seremban two years, Melaka (1999) and Kota Kinabalu (2002) by the respective Kiwanis clubs.

MEETING THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME

According to Heng, the KDSF felt that the focus should be on children below six years old to maintain the quality of education.

"Children with disabilities should be exposed to the public as integration would allow them to develop their potential better," she said.

It is also to reduce prejudice and ignorance of the public towards people with disabilities.

KDSF acknowledges the important role played by the families of Down Syndrome children, said Heng.

"Their participation is always encouraged. Each of the KDSF centres has established its respective Parent Support Group," she said.

She said: "Parents are encouraged to continue teaching their children at home. Each centre has an information and Resource Library which provides the necessary materials that the parents can use at home", she said.

EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMME

Heng said KDSF does not cater for all facets of Down Syndrome.

"KDSF only specialises on Early Intervention Programme for children with Down Syndrome up to six years old," she said.

She said it is recognised that these children of age above six years old should continue their education as provided by the Special Education classes provided by the Education Ministry.

More information on the KDSF National Centre is available at www.kdsf.org.my.

Heng can be contacted at 03-7803 0179 (fax: 03-7806 4862) or e-mail admin@kdsf.org.my.
(By ZUKLIPLE IBRAHIM, Bernama)