Kapit DO calls on NGOs to always support PPDKs

KAPIT (Dec 14): The support from the local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is vital when it comes to assistance slated for community-based rehabilitation centres (PPDKs).

In pointing this out, Kapit District officer Cerisologo Sabut said the Welfare Department had set up the PPDKs and arranged for them to be managed by their respective committees.

“A PPDK is meant to be a proper daycare centre for children with special needs, and also train them to acquire basic living skills so as to enable them to become independent.

“The government covers the rents (of the premises) and staff salaries.

“However, there’s no provision to cover the expenses involved in carrying up extra activities.

“Thus, I call upon the NGOs in the district to extend their support to the local PPDKs,” he said during a PPDK dinner event here on Friday, held as a pre-celebration for Christmas and New Year 2026.

“With the collective efforts of the local NGOs and the community, we can create a more inclusive and caring society,” he added.

According to PPDK Kapit management committee chairman Stanley Ling, currently there are 34 children at the centre, under the charge of the supervisor Ngaji Dukit and his four-member staff.

“The challenges are distance, logistics and transport.

“There are many children with special needs from the rural longhouses and remote villages who are unable to go to the centre; otherwise, we would have more trainees,” said Ling, who took the opportunity at the event to thank Kapit Lions Club and Kapit Health Clinic for their continuous support to the PPDK.