The Kiwanis Job Training Center (KJTC) was set up in late 1996 and operated by the Kiwanis Club of Metro-Kuala Lumpur (KC-MKL) to provide training to a selected group of teenagers and young adults diagnosed as 'persons with learning disabilities' (PLD' s).

PLD’s does not mean that their total being is disabled.  Their intellectual capacity maybe limited but they do have other skills and aptitudes which can enable them to perform in the employment field in making them valued employees. 

The main purpose of KJTC is to train these PLD's with basic job skills to enable them to eventually enter the employment world, on either a full-time or part time basis.

KJTC seeks to achieve the following objectives:

• To inculcate and develop in the trainees a sense of self-worth and self-reliance;
• To equip these trainees with some basic job skills and discipline to prepare them to become productive members of society; and
• To relieve their parents and/or guardians the pressures and emotions of having to provide constant care for them.

The detailed functions of these five key areas are as follows:

a) Academic Skills

• Development of speech and verbal concepts;
• Ability development to follow verbal and or written directions;
• Concept of money and its uses and management; and
• Time concept.

b) Self-help Skills

• Safety and self-protection skills;
• Self-care skills; and
• Work habits and attitudes.

c) Social and Personal Adjustment Skills

• Development of emotional stability;
• Personal hygiene and grooming skills; and
• Understanding of the community and obligations and responsibilities as a member of the community.

d) Vocational Skills

• Attitudes and habits enabling trainees to realize ability and limitations;
• Knowledge and skills necessary to work in a given area;
• Personality and social traits for a sound working relationship with co-workers and supervisors;
• Safety procedures necessary for prevention of accidents and injuries;
• Instruction in use of tools and equipment necessary for completion of tasks; and
• Evaluation of abilities and progress.

e) Daily Routine Skills

• Familiarity of specific work area; and
• Acceptable forms of behaviour.

Trainees are given a training period that stretches between one to two years. They are constantly evaluated on their progress. Upon graduation, every attempt will be made to secure employment for them under KJTC’s Job Placement Program. Age is a criterion and each applicant has to be medically certified for admission.

As in any training program, success will only happen if one really endeavors to learn and to improve his life. Don’t just ask them to improve without helping them. KJTC is the tool to aid them to prepare for a better life. Great potential can be unleashed under proper guidance and training.

While every attempt is made to place them in employment field, there are some very low functioning, severe and disruptive trainees who may never live up to the competitive market. Therefore, they often need to be guided in a highly controlled and structured environment with different training modes under close supervision.

“Together, we strive to change and enhance the live of

many exceptional individuals.”

Website. www.kiwanis.org.my

A community service project by
the Kiwanis Club of Metro-Kuala Lumpur