National Welfare Month events expected to draw over 50,000
National Welfare Month 2017 events at the Industrial Training and Rehabilitation Centre ( PLPP) in Bangi, Selangor, which started on Wednesday, are expected to draw over 50,000 participants.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato Sri Rohani Abdul Karim said the inaugural programme, themed ‘ Enhancing Inclusivity for the Wellbeing of Society’, celebrates target groups such as the elderly, children, and the disabled (OKU), as well as recognises the contributions of volunteers.
“At the same time, it is a platform to enable strategic collaboration between ministries, government agencies, non- governmental organisations ( NGOs), and corporations for the wellbeing of target groups under the Welfare Department,” she said during a recent interview here in conjunction with the inaugural celebration.
Among the programmes and activities to be held until tomorrow (Sunday) include Volunteer Seminar 2017, Welfare Department’s Innovation Day, exhibition, as well as OKU and senior citizen product sale.
The highlight would be awards to recognise the achievements and contributions of senior citizens, OKUs, children, volunteers, as well as agencies and corporations.
“In addition, the National Transformation Dialogue ( TN50) with OKU and senior citizens will also be held,” Rohani said.
“This programme also instils a sense of respect and tolerance to achieve what has been planned. Aptly themed, the main objective of the programme is to unite all the target groups and stresses on the inclusivity concept of government serving the people.”
Rohani explained that inclusivity means no individual or group is marginalised or left out from getting the assistance or help they require.
“The programme is one of the government’s efforts to demonstrate our commitment to ensure no one is marginalised in the development of the country,” she explained.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is scheduled to officiate at the event tomorrow (Sunday).
In a separate interview, Welfare Department director- general Datuk Zulkiply Ramli said the programme focuses on the welfare of the people, especially the target groups who need assistance.
“It is very much like setting up a special team to help the target groups so they are not left out of enjoying the facilities made available by the government,” he said.
“I hope that all parties will make the programme an avenue for strategic collaboration and multi-sectoral cooperation among ministries, government agencies, nongovernmental organisations, corporations and volunteers for the wellbeing of the target groups.”
He said the celebration would also improve the bonds of integration to create a loving society and instil a sense of caring among the people.
On the ‘2 Years Exit Programme’ (2YEP), Zulkiply said it was initiated last year to encourage recipients of welfare assistance to be independent and not rely entirely on the government.
“At present, the department is targeting 1,500 welfare aid recipients to get out of poverty and up to now about 500 recipients have successfully moved past the poverty line through training and guidance implemented by the department,” he explained.