Gurdwara’s gift to special school

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Needy pupils at SK Pendidikan Khas in Seremban will not have to worry about getting uniforms, shoes and bags for the new term as the school recently received a RM5,001 donation from Gurdwara Sahib Seremban for the purpose.

The school’s parent-teacher association head, Dr H. Pushpa Rani, expressed her gratitude to the gurdwara management committee for the gesture as this would go a long way to help the parents of poor pupils.

“There are quite a number of pupils who come from low-income families and we have decided to buy new uniforms, shoes and school bags for them with the money received.

“The rest of the money will go toward buying workbooks for Year Six pupils who will be sitting for their Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) next year,” she said.

Glad to help: Delwir Singh (left) handing over a cheque for RM5,001 to SK Pendidikan Khas’s senior assistant and student affairs head Kamariah Yusof and Dr Pushpa Rani (second from left). Looking on are (from third left) Mohd Shahar and Gurdwara Sahib committee members Mulkeeth Singh and Darvinder Singh.

The contribution was made at the school’s Children’s Day celebration recently during which the pupils put on entertaining dance performances for the guests which included committee members of the gurdwara and officials from the state education department.

The school has an enrolment of 75 pupils, 18 of whom are visually-impaired while the rest are hearing-impaired.

Gurdwara president Delwir Singh said his committee decided to contribute to the school after hearing of the plight of its poor pupils.

“We received the money from a member of our community who wanted us to donate the sum to a charity of our choice and we thought the school would be a worthy recipient.

“Charity should not know race or colour. We will be happy knowing the money was used for a good cause and we are glad that we are able help out,” he said after presenting a mock cheque to the state education department’s special education unit head Mohd Shahar Shaari.

Talking with her hands: A teacher communicates in sign language the contents of speeches presented by guests at the school’s Children’s Day celebration.

He said the donation was also made in conjunction with the recent birthday celebration of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Mohd Shahar, in his speech, said children with special needs should be treated just like normal kids and not sidelined.

“These children are special in their own way and, through my experience, I have found them to be well-disciplined and eager to participate in school activities,” he said.

Mohd Shahar said the contribution from the gurdwara was most welcome and was a big help to the school.

“Although special education schools receive government support, donations still go a long way, especially in helping those who are poor.

A slideshow detailing the school’s achievements and activities was also shown for the guests.

The pupils later joined their guests for a cake-cutting ceremony on stage before being treated to lunch.