Feature Stories
First Frog Classroom for Differently-abled
COMMUNITY 22 October 2019
“Education is key in uplifting children who face challenges in life, be it socio-economic challenges or having special needs. Children with special needs deserve as much educational support and opportunities as any other child.”
~ Datin Kathleen Chew, Programme Director of YTL Foundation
Quality education is the foundation of sustainable development. In addition to improving quality of life, the access to inclusive education can help equip people with the tools required to develop innovative solutions to the world’s greatest problems. In line with SDG 4 to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, YTL Foundation has continued to transform classrooms throughout Malaysia into 21st century learning spaces that promote technology enabled, student focused learning.
This year, YTL Foundation increased their inclusion by launching Smart Frog Classroom for special needs children at SJK(C) Sin Min, Perak through funding the renovation of special needs classroom, installing new fittings and furnishings as well as purchasing special needs equipment customised to maximise the student’s learning techniques in an adapted environment.
Smart Frog Class is opened to students aged seven to 14, and supports the learning needs of differently-abled children with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, cerebral palsy, delayed development, speech or language impairment, visual or hearing impairment and other learning disabilities under the Learning Disabilities Programme, whereby the teaching and learning process is custom-made for each student according to their needs and ability, in order to optimise their potential through specialised application of teaching and learning techniques. The Learning Disabilities Programme provided for primary school pupils who have additional learning needs now consists of 15 students.
The new Smart Frog Classroom provides an organised and well-designed area that sets the stage for a positive learning environment. They are equipped with keyboards and other input methods for children who find handwriting difficult, touchscreens for interactive learning, manipulative learning aids, visual learning aids, specially selected games, a large table to encourage group interaction and bonding, as well as a rocking chair to calm the students. Interactive modules such as videos, presentations and visually attractive methods are also used to make learning more accessible to students who tend to struggle with traditional methods of teaching, by helping them to understand the lessons more easily and retain knowledge more effectively.
YTL Foundation will continue their active commitment in supporting quality education, including education opportunity for children with special needs in order to build a better and more sustainable society through education.
