(Front from fifth left) Hii, Bryan and others.
Bryan entertains guests on the keyboard.
SIBU: The Early Childhood Education Department of the Methodist Pilley Institute (MPI) celebrated World Autism Awareness Day with various activities at its premises here yesterday.
Organised by the Apple Starts Club the aim was to increase awareness on autism as well as support Sibu Methodist Care Centre (MCC) and Sibu Autistic Association, according to MPI lecturer Chew Siok Cheng.
“Since the students themselves wanted to take initiative, we as lecturers supported and helped them in the preparation,” she added.
Chew said that in Early Childhood Education, children are constantly reminded that each and every one is their student including those with disabilities.
Early Childhood Education Department head Doreen Ting in her speech said Agape centre’s effort to create awareness on autism had led to better awareness about children with special needs.
“Let us be reminded that children with special needs are first of all, children. They are unique in their learning, behaviour, food preferences and friends,” she pointed out.
She said early childhood educators have to be equipped with knowledge and skills to
teach and accommodate all children.
“Children with special needs have the right to receive quality early childhood education in inclusive settings,” she said.
During the celebration, 16-year-old Bryan Lau who was diagnosed with high-functioning autism when he was about two years old, enthralled his audience with a special keyboard performance.
His family discovered that he was particularly inclined towards music and sent him for piano lessons. Bryan also likes to dance and play the drums.
Other activities during the celebration included sale of handmade items, a quiz, display cum sale of books and work related to autism.
The proceeds went to Sibu Methodist Care Centre and Sibu Autistic Association.
Also present at the event were MPI principal Hii King Kai and director of academic affairs Wong Kin Hung.