Izah Azahari
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased inequalities between different groups. It does not discriminate but the world’s one-billion population living with some form of disability are more vulnerable to being displaced, An-Nur Harapan Board of Directors member Noorsurainah binti Tengah said.
She made these comments at a graduation ceremony that saw seven individuals celebrate to signify the completion of their training under the UNIKLEARN programme.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar was the guest of honour at the event at the ministry’s Al-’Afiah Hall.
“I believe that every one of us, in our own roles, are contributing through our actions from our different places and backgrounds in society,” said Noorsurainah. “We are all on the same page in wanting to improve and develop the programme to accommodate our current and upcoming students.”
She added that An-Nur Harapan, as a charity foundation, customises and constantly adopts, starting from reviewing the general timeline, down to the syllabus and individual components in each training module until they think they can get it right.
“In 2018, we had the opportunity to work with five autistic male trainees, in 2019 with seven differently-abled male trainees, and another seven this year with a good mix of both male and female trainees,” said Noorsurainah. “Next year, we will be meeting a new cycle of trainees – each with their own unique abilities and mind-opening experiences.”
She added that it showcases the ever-changing dynamics in the UNIKLEARN classroom, bringing to light their fight for inclusion of the differently-abled, especially in raising awareness.
The seven youth with different abilities joined the the UNIKLEARN 2020 session which ran for a year. The trainees completed their internships of the programme in the final three months as part of the programme.
The trainees will continue their internships, go on gainful employment or pursue further studies.
The seven trainees are: Awangku Fadli Asyraf bin Pengiran Muhaimin, Awangku Mirza Syafiq bin Pengiran Mustafa, Aziemah Nabilah binti Haji Mohd Jaafar, Muhammad Hadi Syafiq bin Sahri, Mohammad Afeeq Al Aziz bin Faisal, Nuorsyafiqah Naqibah binti Sahri, and Tiong Hui Yii.
The trainees received certificates and recognition for completing the UNIKLEARN programme. Major partners and sponsors of the UNIKLEARN programme and donors to An-Nur Harapan were also recognised and received certificates of appreciation.
An-Nur Harapan Board of Directors Chairman Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman bin Pengiran Haji Damit, senior officers, management and staff at An-Nur Harapan, parents and guardians were also present.
The event began with the recitation of a Doa Selamat led by Ustaz Muhammad Fawzan bin Haji Abu Kasim from Al-Huffaz Management.