KPWKM MOVES TOWARDS CONSOLIDATING COUNTRY’S CARE INDUSTRY

KUALA LUMPUR, The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM), through the Social Institute of Malaysia (ISM), has trained over 61 caregivers as of last year and aims to train another 385 this year. Its minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said ISM, an agency under the ministry, is looking foward to provide caregivers with diploma qualificiations as there has been a rising demand for them in the country. "Now we are retraining them and we hope to give them diplomas because they will also be learning some modules from universities, so that when they go out they will be able to get jobs elsewhere,' she said at a press conference held at YOKUK foundation's 'Building a Caring Society by Designing Joy' book launch and 25th anniversary celebrations here today.. "I know there are so many people who are looking for that kind of skills in caregiving, and at the same time we will be bringing more in for us to train to help the country, especially to get skilled people to care for not only the elderly but also young people who need assistance." Nancy said the ministry is also open to training more caregivers who are seeking to upskill themselves. Meanwhile, speaking about the event, Nancy said that YOKUK is a foundation for the underprivileged and disabled, based in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, which offers rehabilitative therapy, palliative care, welfare services and educational training to its clients. Established in 1999 with one staff and client, the foundation has grown over the past 25 years, with a staff of 30 employees, to serve more than 6,500 clients now. "The foundation's unwavering commitment to creating a society where every individual is cared for and valued is truly commendable, and this new book encapsulates the essence of their mission and provides a powerful guide for us all to follow," she also said The book presents a comprehensive approach in providing care for the less fortunate as well as potential solutions for tackling structural and systemic barriers towards developing a caring society. Source: BERNAMA News Agency