Special kids to paint at River of Life

Some 40 autistic children and adults will gather near the waterfront of the city's oldest mosque, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, to compete in an art competition on May 1.

The event, "Kinder Arts by Special Artists," organised by the Caring Cluster Foundation, will be held on the pavement of the River of Life. It marks a significant moment as the first art competition of its kind to be held at the city's iconic site.

The event will be held from 9.30 am to 1.00pm.

A group of musicians who perform at the site will also entertain the crowd, kids, and their parents.

The foundation's pro-tem chairman, Michael Plascow, said the event's objective is to create awareness of autism and its needs.

"Children with autism greatly benefit from using art as therapy. It enhances communication through the expression of ideas and emotions."

Plascow said the competition's goal is to show everyone that it is possible for a child with a disability to be very much loved like any other child and also to be highly gifted.

"Through such competition, we hope to create an awareness and better perception of such special people and their disabilities.

"The art competition is part of a series of projects that the foundation will organise in the coming months to raise awareness and funds to help these children and their families."

Plascow said the foundation would also serve as a support group for the families of these autistic children. The public can support this cause by visiting the River of Life and witnessing the children and adults in action.

Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and his wife, Puan Nori Abdullah, will also attend and officiate the event.

About Caring Cluster Foundation

This Kuala Lumpur-based organisation was established to raise awareness of autism and help special children and their families meet their needs.

The foundation comprises professionals, including doctors, lawyers, academicians, and autism experts in Malaysia who have dedicated themselves to helping these special kids.

More awareness programs and fundraising events will be held in the coming months. Proceeds from these events will support autism activities nationwide.