malaysiangTAIPING, Feb 15 – Disappointed at the workplace discrimination faced by her former students, a special education teacher in Taiping started Anak Kita Cookies & Gifts two years ago to train and hire people with disabilities (PwD) to boost their confidence.
“Some complained about how hard it is finding a job, or that they were forced to quit working at the shopping centre, or push trolleys, or were bullied or were cheated of their wages.
“So I mustered up the courage to start this shop called ‘Anak Kita’ with the help of another teacher and friends to provide them with a workplace that is PwD-friendly,” said Intan Hazlina Shamsul Badri, 41, who teaches at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kamunting.
She said those she has hired are aged 17 – 35, from diverse backgrounds and may have a speech and hearing disability, learning disorder, thalassemia or autisme.
Called Cikgu Intan by her students, she said they are now very good at making biscuits, bread and cakes, with many people ordering from them including during the movement control order (MCO).
“The most popular is ‘Cookies For Frontliners’, and we’ve received orders from the municipal council, VIPs and even foreign companies who saw our promotions on Facebook,” she said.
However, Anak Kita does not turn a big profit and Intan Hazlina admits that she is unable to pay her students the minimum wage, but she makes sure their well-being is taken care of.
“I would come to the shop after school to check that everything is running smoothly, like customers’ orders, the training and their welfare.
“The business makes just enough to pay salaries and overhead costs. The most satisfaction is derived from seeing them gain a skill and society’s acceptance,” she said.
Asked about her biggest challenge, Intan Hazlina said that at the moment it is the lack of instructors, as well as the management skill and financial knowledge to expand the business.
“I dream of expanding the business because more and more PwD want to work here and I get requests almost every day,” she said.
Amirul Shafiq Badrul Hisham, 21, said he feels good working at Anak Kita.
“The peole here are very nice and always helping me. I’m learning a lot about baking biscuits, bread, cake and so much more.
“Cikgu Intan asked me to work here and till now I’m always excited to come and meet my friends. I don’t want to work anywhere else,” said Amirul Shafiq.
Twins, N.Nishalini and N.Vishalini, say they love working at Anak Kita because they also get to be with their friends.
“I’m happy to be working here. Sitting at home and not meeting my friends and cikgu is boring.
“I can’t work in the kitchen, but my sister and I help with the labelling and arranging of cookie jars,” said Nishalini, 27.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
