BY: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH – The adage “A mother’s love leads to paradise” aptly describes the unwavering dedication of Azizah Harun, 62, who cares for her five children with disabilities (Persons with Disabilities or OKU) out of seven siblings.
For her, every challenge must be faced with acceptance, despite the numerous obstacles she encounters in ensuring the well-being of her children.
Azizah expressed pride as her youngest child, Nur Elya Suhada Anuar, 23, successfully obtained the Special Skills Certificate (Construction), which has somewhat eased her heartache.
“Nur Elya Suhada is very diligent and eager to learn, supported by our family. Although born with a disability, she falls into the category of hearing impairment, unable to hear clearly in both ears.
“My child still requires hearing aids, which facilitate her learning at Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO).
“I want her to continue her studies in this field. However, PUO has yet to offer the Special Skills Certificate (Construction) course at the diploma level. I believe she can advance further in this field.
“I am proud of her achievement today, but my wish is to see her earn a diploma before I pass away. She is one of my OKU children who can speak, though not very clearly,” she told Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic after the 52nd Convocation Ceremony of Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO) on the third day of the event.
Nur Elya Suhada began her studies in the Special Skills Certificate (Construction) program at PUO in 2022. She is among 14 OKU students who received the certificate with a CGPA exceeding 3.50.
“My success today is thanks to the support and trust of my parents, as well as the cooperation of PUO’s teaching staff, who have been very helpful, particularly through the OKU-friendly learning system.
“I also hope to continue my studies to the next level at PUO, especially in this field,” she said with her mother’s assistance.
Originally from Taman Seri Keramat, Kuala Lumpur, Nur Elya Suhada now works as a Draftsman at IM Global Property Consultants Sdn. Bhd.
The Special Skills Certificate (Construction) program equips students with theoretical and practical knowledge in the construction field, including skills in CAD, plumbing, carpentry, and building. The course covers various aspects such as computer applications, mathematics, building materials, engineering drawing, and site supervision basics.
Graduates of this program have the opportunity to start careers as draftsmen, carpenters, plumbers, bricklayers, painters, civil technicians, or entrepreneurs in the construction technology field.
Meanwhile, another hearing-impaired and mute OKU graduate, Muhammad Ainnuddin Zinurain, 24, from Sarawak, also successfully obtained the same certificate.
Muhammad Ainnuddin chose Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO) due to his deep interest in skill-based fields and his dream of becoming a craftsman engineer.
“I am very interested in the skills provided specifically for OKU. The learning system here is very supportive, including sign language interpreters that facilitate the learning process.
“If PUO offers a Diploma or Degree program in the same course, I will definitely continue my studies here. I feel comfortable studying here because of the amenities provided, as well as the support from friends who have been very helpful,” he said.
“I recommend PUO to others in my situation as the right choice for obtaining skill certificates, and I believe the skills acquired meet current industry needs,” he added through sign language, translated by PUO’s Civil Engineering Lecturer, Erwan Abdul Thalib.
The 52nd Convocation Ceremony of Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO) took place from August 26 to 30, 2024, with 1,748 graduates from 20 fields completing their studies.
The first session of the 52nd PUO Convocation Ceremony was officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad, Chief Minister of Perak.
