Together We Care - 45th Anniversary Book Launch

HRH Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah meeting the medical committee at the RACS clinic . Seen here is the committee chairman, Dr Leela Ratos (third from left), two nurses, Alan and Kana and resident, Masirah (above pictures with kind consent by the Council Members of Cheshire Home)

On 7 November, 2009, the Selangor Cheshire Home, a home for the disabled celebrated its 45th Anniversary at the Grand Ballroom, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. It was a joyous day capped by the launch of the coffee table book, 'Together We Care' tracing the beginnings of the Home. DYTM Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah AlHaj's presence made the occasion even more special.

The book launch cum high tea event was a tribute to people for their selflessness and generosity - from royal patrons, Leonard Cheshire Disability, donors, government agencies, care-givers, volunteers, well-wishers, staff and committee members.

'Together We Care' shows the power of ONE - of people together under one banner promoting an enabling environment for the disabled.

It records Lord Cheshire's selfless act of benevolence. In 1943, at his home, Le Court, Lord Cheshire,VC, personally nursed a friend, Dyke when the situation for beds was dire after World War Two. Lord Cheshire's spirit was so encompassing that today the Leonard Cheshire Foundation is found worldwide, establishing and supporting services for the disabled . In 1963 , the Selangor Cheshire Home was founded.

Toh Puan Datuk Seri Utama Sadiah Sardon helmed the Home as its first president. The pioneers laid the foundations to give the disabled opportunities to be part of the mainstream of society. The work carries on. It is now under the stewardship of the ever - relentless President, Pn Khatijah Sulieman and her committee members.

DYTM Raja Muda Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah ibni Sultan Sarafuddin Idris Shah greeting the residents of Cheshire Home

Support from one and all

An old African philosophy of Ubuntu states:
Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu. Translation: person depends on persons to be a person.

How apt the feeling expressed in this statement. As it stands, the disabled find it difficult to get help for their disability. The theme 'Together We Care' resounds. Only with such a voice can we move with increasing speed into the 21st century.

According to World Health Organisation, the population of persons with disabilities around the world is estimated at 650 million.

In Malaysia, as of June 2009, the number stands at 261,154.

It is high time that we get serious about the plight of the disabled and promote their interests and well-being. Politicians should legislate more to help empower the disabled to include them in the mainstream of society . Individuals, organisations and companies can be more proactive to involve the disabled such as providing jobs, and making amenities user-friendly to them.

At Selangor Cheshire Home, in line with the international goals in the United Nations Charter and several other Human Rights bodies, the Home actively steers towards promoting Independent Living for persons with disabilities.

Daily the Economic Empowerment Programme students go about learning skills - baking , handicraft, sewing, hospitality and ICT. The students are also seen tending their nursery plots and the dragon fruit farm. Pivotal to this, the disabled people should feel good about themselves and be sure of their own value as human beings.

We can be proud of Doris, who makes soft toys that promote the ethnic groups of Malaysia and has won medals, Wendy a skilled boccia player. There's A. Thangaroo who did us proud representing the country with his triumphs at the paralympics.

Grit and determination to win;

A. Thangarajoo (extreme right, in his triumphant moment) - photo credit 'Together We Care'

The Home also supports the Community Rehabilitation Centre (CBR) of Selayang whereby parents are active in their children's rehabilitation programme.

It was heartening to see the EEP (Economic Empowerment Programme) students as a band entertaining the austere audience. After President, Pn Khatijah Sulieman's speech , there was a lovely video presentation of the development of Cheshire Home. It was a walk down memory lane with so much to cherish in the 7 minute video. DYTM, Raja Muda, launched the book, Together We Care' accompanied by 2 songs sung by the Sunshine Choir - 'Our Hearts Can Soar' and 'The Music's always there with you' by John Rutter. The UiTM mini orchestra played and the talented children from Wu Shu Federation of Malaysia gave a highly polished performance to seal an auspicious occasion.

The commemorative event was successful and enjoyable . Though it was a celebration by the Selangor Cheshire Home, in my opinion, all disabled, even those in those own private homes, can take heart that their voices are being heard. We just have to help them have a louder voice and make dreams become a reality. Nothing is impossible. Like they say, just do it! - care and share along the way.

As KL moves towards our vision of 2020 for all its citizens, let's join hands and make it happen. Each of us can make a difference. Multiply by the whole big world . The sum of it is TOGETHERNESS. We all care !

Superbly executed performance by the children from Wu Shu Federation of Malaysia

Let the sun shine in!

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
50088 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +6 03 2333 2888