St. Nicholas newslatter. FIF Issue 2

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From The Editor
With 2008 ahead of us, there is so much we in St. Nicholas' Home
can look forward to. 2007 was a very eventful year for all of us. Many
events, conferences, functions took place in the Home itself. It was
indeed a very fruitful year for us here and many changes have taken
place.
In the buzz of celebrations towards the end of 2007, we are glad that
the children, trainees and the blind senior citizens in St. Nicholas'
Home had their share of joy and warmth of the festivities. Thanks to
the faithful and kind donors, there were sponsored buka puasa
meals, gifts of duit raya, Deepavali lunch and Christmas gifts for all.
These thoughtful gestures made St. Nicks feel more like a home to
many, especially those who has no other home to return to during
the celebrations. It is always amazing how simple things can bring
such great smiles to these faces as they enjoy the atmosphere of
love and happiness.
The first issue of "Fides In Facto" was also issued during the last
quarter of 2007 and now, with the new year, we hope to bring you
more news about St. Nicks. You can also visit our website at
http://www.snh.org.my to get the latest updates about us. Feel free
to contact us for any further enquiries or even to give us feedback on
our newsletter. Write to us at editor@snh.org.my
- Nicole Pua -
For Private Circulation Only January ­ March 2008
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National Career Seminar for Blind Students
by Patrick Cheah
Choosing a career is very important and it can be a difficult task for
those who are stepping into the working world for the first time, what
more for those who are blind and visually impaired. It is difficult
because they have to make a choice and face stiff competition for
opportunities that are limited. Choosing the correct career is
important because it will have life-long consequences. As securing a
career is challenging and increasingly competitive, blind and visually
impaired job-seekers have to get themselves prepared: not only
physically i.e. through acquisition of specialized skills, but also
mentally, i.e. by being ready to accept heavy, ever changing and
challenging responsibilities.
Last year, a total of 30 form 4 students from various secondary
schools for the blind nationwide participated in the National Career
Seminar, 2007; which was held on 17-20 November. It kicked off in
Naza Hotel, Penang, stayed there for 2 days and moved on to Pantai
Keracut, Penang for the survival skills programme for another 2
days. The seminar was co-organised by St. Nicholas' Home and the
National Council for the Blind, Malaysia (NCBM). The objectives
were to create awareness on the importance of early preparation
when deciding on a career, as well as to equip participants with the
knowledge and basic skills in self-discovery and adaptation on
career aspects.
During the first two days at Naza Hotel, a number of sharing
sessions on various topics were arranged. Visually impaired
University students, Representatives from Blind Organisations,
Officers from various Government Departments and visually
impaired persons who are currently employed had been invited to
share experiences and ideas about the following:
· The University students: An insight of their University life, the
courses which visually impaired persons can sign up for, and
important skills to pick up such as computer skills; which are
essential when entering University life.
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· Representatives from National Council for the Blind Malaysia
(NCBM), St. Nicholas' Home, Penang and Malaysian
Association of the Blind (MAB): Information on the types of
training and help given by the various blind organisations.
· Officers from the Welfare Department, Education Department
and Labour Department: Roles and the type of help given by
the Government Department to the disabled community.
· Visually impaired persons currently working in various
sectors: Their working experiences, the attitude to cultivate
and most importantly, the message that there is hope of
employment for the visually impaired.
After sessions of informative sharing, the participants moved on to
Pantai Keracut for some physical and team-building activities. They
were exposed to several Nature-based activities such as a Nature
Walk, Nature Games and a Blind Walk. Participants were also taught
how to pitch a tent. There was a special sharing by staff members of
the Turtle Sanctuary in Pantai Keracut, where they explained about
the conservation activities and showed how the turtle eggs were
safely kept. To some, it was their first time being involved in such
activities and they truly enjoyed it.
It is hoped that the seminar as a whole has helped the students to
see clearly their career future, prepared them to face the challenges
on their way to success and that they have been better equipped
Sharing & Talks by Invited SpeakersParticipating in Nature Games
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mentally, psychologically and socially. We hope to organize such
seminars again in the years to come.
The Brand-new End
by Nicole Pua
Take a minute and ponder upon this quote.
No one can go back and make a brand-new start, my friend; but
anyone can start from here and make a brand-new end.
­ Dan Zadra
Here in St. Nicholas' Home, we are actually helping visually impaired
and blind persons to make a significant change in their lives; make a
brand-new end in their lives through our Vocational Training and
Employment Department (VTE).
Imagine, one morning you wake up, and suddenly it dawns on you
that you are now blind ... it was the accident last month .... Or the
long-term diabetes you suffered from for so many years ... What do
you do now? Maybe it is just simply that you have been blind since
birth. However, neither your parents nor anyone around you knew
about school for the blind, Braille and the white cane. You are just
sitting at home, doing nothing much, helping out as much as you
can, and wondering ... "What am I to do for the rest of my life?"
The VTE at SNH is the place where the newly blind start to move on
from the point where life seems to be at a halt. We have different
sections of training and services for that purpose: training in basic
living skills and vocational skills, and assistance in finding
appropriate job opportunities for the visually impaired and blind in
Malaysia, especially for those from the northern region. Those who
become blind at the later stage of their life and those who did not get
the opportunity to attend school are offered basic training so that
they can face the new challenges, and at the same time, find new
openings which might never have occurred to them before. They are
trained in how to move around with the help of the white cane, how
to walk with a sighted guide, daily living skills such as self-grooming,
going to the markets, cooking as well as washing and ironing.
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On top of that, they are also taught how to read and write using the
Braille system - the literary system based on raised dots used by
blind persons around the world. Through training in these skills, it is
hoped that they can readjust to a new journey and embark on a
whole new world of exploration. They should be able to live
independently and be able to communicate well with others as well
as get information via writing and reading.
In the vocational training section, training in a few vocational skills is
offered to the visually impaired and blind to enable them to secure
jobs and hopefully, make a living for themselves. There is the
Massage Training Centre where they are given the training on full-
body massage and foot reflexology; Handicrafts and Basketry Centre
to train them in the skills to make various items such as laundry
baskets, pen-holders, flower vases, and many more articles from
rattan; the Pastry Centre where they learn all the baking skills for
making cookies, cakes, buns and breads.
Throughout the years, we have had many success stories, such as
our trainees being reserved for employment even before they have
completed their courses. This is how the Employment section plays
an important role in identifying potential employers for our trainees.
Further to that, we look into new fields of employment which could
be explored by the visually impaired and blind.
Usually, our training courses are conducted for the period of six to
twelve months per intake. Upon graduation, ex-trainees are
encouraged to find jobs on their own, though the Home may also try
Pastry Class in session Learning Foot Reflexology & Massage
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to help them out. In the coming issues, we will introduce to you the
individual training sections which were mentioned above.
In Brief
Clear Blue Sky, White Cane Day.
In October, we organized our White Cane Day with resounding
success. All of us from the Home together with some other
participants from the public participated in a walk of about 2 km at
Padang Kota Lama accompanied by the band from the Chinese
Girls' School. With the good weather, everything went well and we
ended the whole event earlier than scheduled. During the walk, we
managed to distribute the pamphlets which were meant to create
public awareness of the blind and their right to mobility like any other
persons.
Music in the Home.
On 24th
November, 2007, the Waseda Brass Ensemble from Japan
put on a spectacular concert for our trainees, residents and staff.
Besides the visually impaired, parents and their children with other
disability from around Penang; also came to enjoy the wonderful
music performed.
It was simply fantastic, the very reason Waseda Brass Ensemble
returned to Penang after a successful performance in 2006, and
specifically indicated that one of the concerts must be staged in St.
Nicholas' Home. We are truly grateful for such a privilege and the
wonderful morning with them.
The most beautiful moment of
the concert was when the
children and visually impaired
persons went around feeling
the different musical
instruments, and even had a
go with them.
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Graduation Day
On 13th
December, 2007, a total of fifteen trainees graduated from
our training centre; two from the Basketry and Handicraft section,
thirteen from the Massage Training. These trainees had gone
through six to ten months training at the Home. Now, they are ready
to take up the challenge of the job market out there. In fact, they
were being employed even before they graduated.
IT Training for the Blind
In Early 2007, we have 2 intakes for 17 school leavers who have
undergone Level 1 courses. Not forgetting the Home's existing
trainees, another 2 intakes of Level 1 courses were also conducted
for 16 trainees from the Massage Training Centre & Skills
Development Centre. Two of our visually impaired staff has been
coming regularly for revision classes to keep in touch with their
typing skills.
In addition, we had a visually impaired working blind professional
who wish to use the computer again after a lapse of 15 years. A fast
learner, En. Mohamad Shukri has managed to relearn and use the
latest Operating System and Microsoft Word.
Upcoming Events
Toy Library & Playground
The Toy Library and the playground in St. Nicholas' Home will be
launched at the end of February 2008. We believe that learning
Encik Mohamad Shukri receiving his
Certificate from Mr. Ooi Chee Khoon,
Executive Director of SNH
IT Class in session
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through playing is the best for our children and thus, we are realizing
it after a long wait. Parents of visually impaired and blind children
can bring their children to explore the various well-designed toys,
games, puzzles, and equipment of educational nature. Both the Toy
Library and the playground are made accessible and safe for visually
impaired and blind children.
April 2008 - Opening of Wellness Centre
The opening of our own Wellness Centre will be held in April 2008.
This centre will be the place to provide professional training in
massage and foot reflexology to the visually impaired and blind.
Besides that, the centre is open to the public for various massage
therapy and therefore, creating another employment opportunity for
the visually impaired and blind.
28 March 2008 - Talk on Eye Care and Eye Screening at Penang
School
A talk on eye care and eye screening prevention will be held in
various schools in Penang and the first session is coming up in
March. Our main objective is to make the public aware those steps in
early detection and prevention will help to overcome the factors that
may lead to blindness.
Food for Thought
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.
- Unknown -
Donations may be made to the Home in cash or cheque made payable
to "St. Nicholas' Home, Penang". All donations are tax exempted
Editorial Team
Nicole Pua (Editor)
Patrick Cheah (Design & Layout)
V. Thangaveloo
Peter Chin