The absurd potential of children with special needs

KUCHING, Sept. 15: Parents and teachers are encouraged to continue to develop the talents of children with special needs to help them empower themselves.

The Minister of Women, Child Development and Community Welfare, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said that the groups should be given space and opportunities to highlight their capacities, thus stimulating their talent development.

"We want them to reach a higher level and do the field they like.

"We also want them to be able to generate income from the skills they have developed", he told media after inaugurating the Estella Child Development Centre here today.

He explained that the income earned will build self-esteem, as well as increase confidence in self-reliance and contribute to society.

Fatimah also exemplified the skills of Sarawak ParaSUKMA athletes who proved that people with special needs can achieve success when their talents are well identified and guided.

"I told the athletes, coaches, parents and teachers that we can still stand magnificently because we have won 52 gold medals, 32 silver and 54 bronze which is a total of 138 medals.

"It's not easy to get any more for weightlifting", he said.