MIRACLE program, organized under the Royal Facilitator Project of the 12th Residential College, stands as a unique initiative dedicated to ensuring that special education students experience meaningful and inclusive learning opportunities. Held at SMK Sinar Bintang, a school renowned for its Integrated Special Education Program (PPKI) in Kuala Lumpur, the program creates a supportive environment where special education students can thrive.
“This program was designed to give special education students the space and opportunity to develop their potential in a more conducive environment,” said Wan Nur Fathini binti Wan Safwan, Director of the Royal Facilitator Project. “We want them not only to feel valued but also to gain the confidence needed to face daily challenges.”
With 60 special education students from SMK Sinar Bintang and 37 facilitators from the Royal Facilitator Project, this initiative fostered close interaction between the two groups. The facilitators played a role not just as activity leaders but also as mentors and companions, supporting these students through engaging and meaningful learning experiences.
“At first, many of us felt hesitant about interacting with special education students, but within a short time, we realized that forming bonds with them was not difficult at all. In fact, love and connection developed naturally,” Wan Nur Fathini added. “We learned to be more patient, to appreciate each student’s uniqueness, and to recognize that every special education student has their own strengths.”
One of the key activities was the Hands of Miracle module, where students expressed their creativity through painting and colouring on mahjong paper. Another activity, Little Scientist, introduced simple science experiments aimed at fostering curiosity and sparking an interest in scientific exploration among special education students. These activities not only honed creativity and problem-solving skills but also provided an enjoyable and engaging learning experience.
According to Dr. Mohd Izzuddin bin Zainal Abidin, Advisor of the Royal Facilitator Project, programs like MIRACLE not only benefit special education students but also open the eyes of facilitators to the realities faced by this community. “This program is not just an ordinary volunteer experience but a profound learning journey for everyone involved,” he said. “We witnessed how these students thrive in a supportive environment, and at the same time, we saw our facilitators grow into more compassionate and empathetic individuals.”
MIRACLE serves as more than just a learning platform for special education students; it is also an opportunity for facilitators to develop patience, empathy, and leadership skills. By working closely with these students, the facilitators come to understand that education is not solely about academic achievements but also about forming connections, recognizing the needs of others, and making a positive impact in someone’s life.
Moving forward, the organizers hope to expand the reach of this initiative. “We want more special education students to have access to programs like this, and we want more facilitators to realize that they, too, can be agents of change in someone’s life,” said Wan Nur Fathini. With growing awareness and commitment to inclusivity, MIRACLE continues to serve as a platform that connects hearts and minds in the world of special education.
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