Klang Kiwanis Club gets new building on World Down Syndrome Day

THIS year’s World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), celebrated on March 21, is especially sweet for the Klang Kiwanis Club members.

They were handed the keys of the new Down Syndrome Centre after the building went through an extensive makeover exercise, thanks to Axis REIT Managers Berhad.

Party time: Dr Xavier joining the children in the cake-cutting ceremony.

“The makeover is an excellent example on how the NGO sector can work together successfully with Corporate Malaysia in helping create a more conducive environment for children enrolled in the ‘Early Intervention’ programme (a Special Needs Education programme for children with Down Syndrome), said Kiwanis Club Klang president Chris Foo.

“We are grateful to our sponsor and are excited about our new look as we have not previously embarked on any refurbishment exercise since taking occupancy of the building in 2002.

“The building therefore was in a dire need of a makeover as the number of children attending our Early Intervention Programmes have increased from 25 in 2002 to 45 this year.

“The building exterior and the internal living areas have been repainted, a new sand pit added for the children to play, a new sink has been installed to suit young children, and all the wooden floors re-varnished.

“In addition, the external patio areas have been re-tiled and balance beams and playground equipment replaced or repaired,” said Foo.

Foo also thanked Selangor state exco member Dr Xavier Jayakumar who launched at the event.