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Kota Kinabalu: Handprints Toy Library and Resource Centre, here, will hold an open day in conjunction with World Autism Day, on April 23, from 3pm-5pm.

“It will be a great time to bring your family and child with special needs to visit and know us more,” said the Centre in a statement, last Friday.

Set up by Basel Christian Church of Malaysia (BCCM) Kota Kinabalu, the Centre was completed in 2019.

“However, due to Movement Control Orders from 2020-2021, the proper dedication of the centre can only be done now.

“On Feb 27, this year, a simple but meaningful dedication ceremony was done at the Handprints cum Community Centre Building.” It was officiated by BCCM English General Council (EGC) Dean Rev Ngui Au Sze, and also present were EGC Vice-Chairman Fung Yin Khun and BCCM KKE Vice-Chairman David Wan, as well as about 30 church members.

“Children are wonderful gifts from God. It is never easy for parents to raise a child. “It is a different ball game if you are blessed with a special needs child. There is an old African saying that goes ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. “Handprints aims to be that village and community, where families with special needs children can turn to, for support, encouragement, empowerment. “Most importantly, to partner together to educate and prepare their child for their future, grow to be an independent individual and can blend into the society,” it said.

The Centre offers over 1,000 types of toys in various categories (ranging from csensory infant stimulation to gross motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and imaginative play, among others) and reading materials for parents, teachers, and children with special needs. Assessment and diagnosis of children using Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (Ados-2) is also available.

“Everyone in the community is welcome to join the activities and events held at this centre.” It is located at Lorong Pokok Saka, Dah Yeh Villa, with a spacious car park that can cater to up to 41 cars at any one time.

For more information about Handprints, call 016-4172298, or email handprintslib@gmail.com, or visit the official Facebook page: Handprints Toy Library and Resource Center.