ÎåÒ»³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø

A parent doing the catwalk at a mock fashion show

One for the album

Kuala Lumpur, 30 December 2008 - ÎåÒ»³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø University, Malaysia¡¯s first Best Buddies chapter organised the ¡°Best Buddies Pot-Luck Gathering¡± where students, parents and children with learning disabilities fraternized with one another. This is the second group gathering since the ¡°Welcome Party¡± in September last year. Since then, ÎåÒ»³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø University students involved in the Best Buddies programme have had several outings with the special children.

This small but significant reunion also spread some Christmas cheer. Staff, students and parents contributed to the menu, and everyone had a chance to sample each other¡¯s cooking. Everyone received their fair share of spaghetti, rice, jelly and cakes. After everyone had their fill, it was time to let their hair down and dance. A games and karaoke session ensued.

The Best Buddies programme aims to integrate children and persons with learning disabilities into society. Under this programme, ÎåÒ»³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø University students are paired off with children having learning disabilities, after compatibility checks are carried out.

Leena, a ÎåÒ»³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø University student who had signed up for the programme says, "This is more than a historic event for the University; it is a start to a beautiful friendship."

Ms. Teow Ker Shin, ÎåÒ»³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø University¡¯s Best Buddies advisor says that a new pairing between special children and ÎåÒ»³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø University students will be done at the next gathering. "We look forward to this event, and we always welcome people to join us."

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