Centre for special kids needs volunteers and RM100,000

NST: GEORGE TOWN: A centre for children and adolescents with special needs here is short of funds and volunteers.
The centre called The 2-ways Centre, located in Jalan Kampung Jawa Baru, needs at least RM100,000 annually to run its programmes.
Consultant paediatrician and paediatric cardiologist Dr Sim Joo Seng, who is a volunteer at the centre, said the centre also welcomed volunteers, especially teachers, and social and medical workers.
Speaking during a Chinese New Year party for about 40 children with developmental delay and learning disabilities at the centre yesterday, he said about 5 per cent of children in this country needed special attention and treatment.
The centre’s special educator Silviana Bonadei said the centre helped 140 children.
"Last year, three educationists at the centre provided 1,089 sessions in Penang and 33 in Kulim, Kedah, as well as registering 186 new cases," she added.
The sessions at the centre are subsidised, with parents paying RM10 per session of 45 minutes.
Opened three years ago, the centre is a project of the Mental Health Association of Penang.
Also present at the party was state exco member Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan.