Small Steps to a Brighter Future: Where Hope Begins and Potential Grows at PPDK KAMII

By, Fatin Farhana binti Raffie and Nurul Aliah Aisyah binti A. Hamzah

What would be the difference between cookies and muruku that you get from the supermarkets and the ones that you buy from the Community-Based Rehabilitation Programme or Program Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PPDK) Gombak Setia booth at Gombak Food Festival 2.0? It is the fact that the ones sold at the festival were made by PPDK students with effort, determination, sincerity and with the hope that one fine day, the people around them will finally recognize their abilities, not just the disabilities. 

In the festival, their participation was anticipated to bring more attention towards the role of the society in supporting and assisting individuals with disabilities. At the same time, it provides a chance for PPDK students to explore opportunities to showcase their potential to others. 

A Glimpse into the World of PPDK

The PPDK is an initiative by the Malaysian government under the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) with the purpose to support and empower persons with disabilities (PwDs). At PPDK KAMII at Gombak Setia, students participate in various activities that offer skills training and personal development, encouraging students to be more independent and confident, and organizing creative activities. They also foster community involvement and inclusivity, as well as running a community cafe to practice hands-on learning. According to Muhammad Ariffudin Bin Mohd Isa, Supervisor at PPDK KAMII Gombak Setia, the center accepts students as young as three years old until 40 years, with a different focus of activities catered to each age group. 

The daily activities of the students there involve physiotherapy by specialised staff from the Gombak Setia Health Clinic, and self-management training teaching trainees how to wear clothes, how to go to the toilet by themselves and verbal communication. Apart from that, PPDK also organizes activities off campus like water activities, equestrian activities and festive celebrations. 

Beyond daily practices, PPDK KAMII works together with health agencies to promote a healthy diet, and collaborates with Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) to organize sports activities. Most importantly, they had been working together with an educational institution, like IIUM, in the effort to promote the products made by their students. In particular, they have always teamed up with the students of Integrated Marketing Communication under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aida binti Mokhtar as a vendor of the Gombak Food Festival 2.0. This festival was a place for them to make themselves noticeable to the public, proving that they can also do incredible things like others despite being PwDs.

First Step Into A Lifelong Journey 

Now imagine a community where every individual, regardless of ability, is given the opportunity to grow, contribute, and be appreciated. That is the reality that PPDK has envisioned. PPDK is a center that does more than just offer therapy and training, it builds a sense of confidence, independence, and dignity among individuals with disabilities. Every day, dedicated trainers and staff work hand-in-hand with children, teens and young adults aged 3 to 40. They instill hope, skills, and a sense of purpose from self management training; learning how to wear clothes on their own, to be able to communicate verbally and finally developing vocational abilities in cooking, crafting and gardening. These individuals are being nurtured to live full and independent lives. 

What makes PPDK truly remarkable is not just the structured programs or professional care, it is the stories of positive progress in PwDs. PPDK has received countless feedback from the families sharing on their children’s development ever since joining PPDK. Parents have witnessed their children becoming more sociable, gradually gaining confidence and even becoming diaper-free through potty training. What once seemed impossible is now a reality with the unwavering care and support from the PPDK.

Give More, Mean More 

The products they showcase are more than just foods or crafts, they are symbols of hard work, patience, and the unwavering spirit of the PPDK students. Their remarkable achievements in social skills, self-care and hands-on vocational training prove that they are not only capable but worthy of celebration and support. Giving our support to their efforts is not just an act of charity but an opportunity for them to feel proud of what they have made, and more importantly, to see themselves as backbones to society, not just recipients of care. 

Ariff envisions PPDK’s presence at Gombak Food Festival 2.0 as far more than a booth selling food and crafts. He sees it as a given opportunity to encourage the whole Gombak community to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with PwDs. His main hope is that people would notice the presence and role of PPDK in helping the people thrive in their life despite the disabilities. “By working together, we create a sustainable economy that opens doors for them to join us in the workforce,” said Ariff. 

One small act of kindness can help build a sustainable future for these individuals. By supporting this community, we are making a lasting impact; creating job opportunities, promoting economic independence and fostering inclusion for people with disabilities. Regardless of who we are, this is an opportunity for us to make a big impact. Together we create a community where everyone feels included, valued, and given the chance to thrive with purpose and dignity.***