KLANG: Children at the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Centre in Bukit Kuda had a royal surprise when the Selangor Sultan’s sister, Tengku Putri Arafiah ibni Sultan Abd Aziz Shah, visited them on July 1.

The royal visitor treated the 53 children to lunch, gave out new Hari Raya clothing and shoes and  donated to the centre. 

“It is my first time visiting. I am surprised that some of them could read, use the computer, and even sing,” said Tengku Putri Arafiah. 

Tengku Putri Arafiah feeding children cakes at the centre.

She also spent time with the children and observed them playing, studying and listening to story-telling by a teacher.

The children’s parents also joined in the programme.

“Parents must work together with the teachers here. They must also discipline their children at home,” she said.

She added that more parents were slowly being educated about Down syndrome and hopefully will overcome their embarrassment and send their children to the centre.

She visited the home with members of the Islamic Women’s Welfare Board (LKPI).

Centre administrator Ardinsoon Mohd Yusof, who welcomed the special guests, said the home teaches the children motor skills, reading, and social and cognitive development.

The children, who are between four months and six years old, are being trained in the centre for enrolment into government and private special schools.

The home only has four teachers and due to the shortage of volunteers and space constraints, there are 15 children on the  waiting list to get into the centre.

Also present was a representative from the British Council who also gave away gifts to the children.