Interview with Sivalingam A/L Ramasamy
| Name: |
Sivalingam A/L Ramasamy |
|
Position: |
Director |
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Background: |
Sivalingam has his own job and
he's actually a volunteer at RKKKC. And since he has an
actual job, he isn't in the charity home everyday. When
he's away, his supervisor and his coordinator will take
care of all the general administration tasks for him. |
 Q: How large is this government-sponsored RKKKC land?
A: About 1 hectar.
Q: How many occupants are there?
A: 39 disabled residents, who are made up of children and
adults, and 10 full-time staff (including 6 children
caretakers).
Q: Could you please explain a bit about the history behind this
charity home?
A: RKKKC was established in 1968 in Ipoh by 8 parents who have
disabled children but didn?t have time to look after them. After
some time, the founders of RKKKC retired from the
administration and the volunteers took over it. RKKKC was then
moved to Kinta Valley, yet still didn't obtain any subsidies
from the state government. In year 1991, they finally obtained a
piece of state government land in Batu Gajah, and they
permanently based there.
RKKKC not only accepts disabled children, but also disabled
adults. The victims in the charity home ranged from 11 to 54
years old. Victims there are mostly suffering Cerebral Palsy,
Epilepsy, Hip dislocation, severe mental retardation, Anathira
(speech disabilities), Autism and spastic Tetraplegia incapable
of standing without support. RKKKC had also registered with
Perak Social Welfare Department as a Non-Government Organization
(NGO).
Q: Is there any subsidy from the state government?
A: Yes. Currently 30% of the monthly expenses are subsidized by
the Perak Social Welfare Department. Each child receives RM2.80
for the food subsidy everyday from the PSWD. The rest are relied
on the public donation and sponsorship.
Q: How are donations received? What are the methods?
A: Public can donate money, food or any other daily item to RKKKC
anytime. Donation can be either single donation or monthly
donation. RKKKC will write the donors a receipt for each
donation. Public can also sponsor a child?s meals for 1 day or
the number of days they want.
Public can also donate their time to volunteer in teaching
and/or looking after children at RKKKC. RKKKC will also unperiodically organize charity projects like
the recent Charity fun fair for fund-raising.Q: How does this charity home accept the victims? What are the
criteria?
A: RKKKC accepts any children and adult who are either mentally
or physically retarded with 2 criteria:
1. Parents do not have time to look after them; and
2. Victims are from low income families.
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