ABIM raising funds for history books printing in braille

Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) was called to start a fund to raise funds for the printing and publishing of history books in braille for use by visually impaired school students.

This fund will be mobilized alongside the Malaysian Foundation for the Blind (YOBM).

With a total target collection of RM100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Ringgit Malaysia), this fund is an effort to spread the word regarding the funds needed to print history books in braille, especially as we are celebrating the month of independence from August 31 to September 16.

ABIM would like to take this opportunity to emphasize that caring for the visually impaired members of our community does not only take the form of providing adequate infrastructure, but more importantly it is in human development to enable self-reliance and independence.

ABIM also stresses that it is important for all of us to be aware that visually impaired members of our community are entitled to the same rights as non-visually impaired persons and have the opportunity to develop their individual potential.

ABIM states that in line with the expression ‘education for all’, the disabled members of our community also want to be independent and contribute to the country. Unfortunately, after 63 years of independence, they are still struggling to get quality educational opportunities and facilities that are on par with our mainstream education.

The issue of insufficient Braille textbook facilities in special education schools for the visually impaired has not yet found a solution even though the issue has been raised before. In addition, there are also issues with damaged and lost Braille textbooks that can no longer be used as they are difficult to replace due to the high cost.

ABIM emphasizes that the time has come for us not only to talk about the welfare of the disabled but also to make a point of the empowerment of this group, which has its own potential in contributing to our beloved homeland.