By Chris Teh
With the festive season around the corner, Ray of Hope long known for its cafe serving delicious specials is currently promoting Christmas cookies and baked goods as part of their fundraising.
Ray of Hope, a centre of training for individuals with learning disabilities in Bercham, with the motto “Every Life Counts, Every Person Matters”, originally started in 2001 at Buntong and later relocated to Bercham in 2003. The centre had taken more than 200 students via educational training.
“Our training involves self-awareness which helps students to think and integrate into the society,” said Datin Mary Lim-Yong, chairperson of Ray of Hope in a media session on Wednesday, October 30. “We also give emotional and psychological help to them whenever needed.”
She added that there is no chance for independent living for students if only life skills are taught. “To suit today’s increasing industrial demand, we added training into pre-vocational and vocational sectors,” Datin Mary added. “Every young adult with learning disabilities has the potential to be a wage earner as well.”
She also mentioned that parents of challenged individuals are inadequately educated about the nature of their children’s behaviour.
“I will not deny that the stigma still exists within society. Some parents are scared to disclose the fact that they have children with learning challenges,” Datin Mary said. “But it’s high time they step out of the shadows. With the right approach and care, these children and young adults can live a life like normal individuals do.”
“We appreciate donations as support for the organisation,” she mentioned. “It depends on students’ days of attendance at the training centre but there is always room for negotiation.”
The Cafe at Ray of Hope serves as both a training ground for their students as well as an income stream for the centre and during festive seasons the gift-giving season, the public can show their support by purchasing from the Cafe.
Biscotti @ RM18 per box (6 for RM100)
Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies @ RM25 per jar
Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies @ RM24 per jar
Shortbread Plain @ RM23 per jar
Gingerbread Man Cookie @ RM3.50 per piece (RM3.20 per piece when bought at 10 pieces and above, RM3 per piece when bought at 50 pieces and above)
For more information, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rohipoh or drop by their centre in Bercham!
RAY OF HOPE, 24 & 26, Persiaran Bercham Selatan 31, Taman Sri Kurau, 31400 Ipoh. Operation hours: 9am to 5pm daily; closed on Sundays & observed public holidays
