| Ishan Ibrahim |
A GROUP of experts on autism and dyslexia yesterday paid a visit to the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei Edge Centre, in Kampong Mata-Mata.
The foreign delegation was received by SMARTER Brunei President Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman.
The visitors were led by the Associate Professor from the Faculty of Social Policy and Administration from Hosei University in Tokyo, Japan, Dr Ryuhei Sano.
The other members of the delegation were: Founder and Chairperson of NPO EDGE (Japan Dyslexia Society) Eiko Todo; Secretariat of NPO EDGE Ami Todo; and the Head Teacher at the Dyslexia Association of Sarawak, Malaysia, Martha Mardian.
The visitors were briefed on the aims and objectives of the centre, which is solely designed and catered for the needs of children with autism-related issues.
They were also given a brief tour of the centre’s designated rooms and play areas, and were impressed by its facilities despite a tight budget.
Dr Sano later told the Bulletin that the visit provided them with fresh ideas on how to cope, develop and innovate, with regard to autism.
“The visit has enlightened us on how the SMARTER Brunei Edge Centre can innovate on its resources, especially with only low-cost and low-tech materials; and how the centre can mobilise its local resources with efficiency,” he added.
“The society in Japan has generally accepted people with autism, but there are also elements with scant knowledge on autism.
“In this context, organisations on autism-related issues and society in general have a mutual responsibility to educate the people in society, so that people with autism can be more readily accepted without any stigma attached to it.”
Dr Sano ended the interview with praise for the SMARTER Brunei Edge Centre in the cause of autism, a favourable impression gained from the efforts of Malai Haji Abdullah and his staff.