Taman Sinar Harapan Tuanku Ampuan Najihah Seremban

The institution was set up in 1947 by the then Ministry of Social Welfare. It is situated about 3km from the town of Seremban. In 1978, the institution was designated especially for the care and training of mentally handicapped children.

Accordingly it was renamed to its current name from State Home for Children, in honour of its Royal Patron, DYMM Tuanku Ampuan of Negeri Sembilan. Until 1983, the institution provided care for all categories of mentally disabled children with low to average functioning abilities. From 1984, it accepted only children below the age of 14 and who were educable. Since 1994, the institution has been gazetted as a shelter home for needy children under the Child Protection Act, 1991. Today the institution is home to about 100 children of various races. The children of the institution suffer from diseases such as cerebral palsy, Down’s Syndrome, hydrocephalus, speech and hearing impairments.

Our objectives

• To train and prepare the mentally handicapped children for daily living and adulthood.
• To equip the children with basic education and skills suited to their particular disability.
• To assist parents and other family members to improve their standard of living while reducing the burden of caring for their mentally handicapped children.

In addition to the services of a full-time nurse, a medical officer from the Negeri Sembilan Health Department visits the institution twice a month. The institution’s dental clinic is run by the Seremban District Dental Clinic staff comprising a dentist, a nurse and an attendant. The clinic operates twice a week. Besides receiving treatment, the children are taught proper dental care.

The institution is administered by a Principal and 47 staff members consisting of a trained nurse, social welfare assistants, administrative assistants, health attendants, general workers, cooks, guard and driver. two teachers are employed by the Board of Visitors to carry out activities suited to the needs of the children. The institution has in the past obtained the services of and professional guidance from members of the American Corps, Japanese Overseas Volunteer Corps and British Volunteers Service Organisation.

Members to the Board of Visitors are appointed by the Minister of National Unity and Social Development and such appointment, which is in force for a period of 3 years at a time, is gazetted. The services of the members are voluntary. The role of the Board is to complement and supplement the efforts of the Ministry of National Unity and Social Development, State Welfare Department and other related government agencies, aimed at enhancing, to the fullest possible, the quality of life of the children in the institution.

Our needs

Any Volunteer Services Needed: Yes!

The home is presently understaffed and therefore would require committed volunteers on a regular basis. Specifically, the home requires the services of a qualified Hydro- therapist to train the children in its swimming pool. Other than that, volunteers are welcome to participate in a few activities/programmes such as:-

1.Daily Living Activities – For children who can not manage themselves, life skills training involving basic hygiene such as brushing teeth, bathing, dressing, eating and drinking, making beds and socialize with their peers.

2. Special classes (Pre-School Activities) – For children who can handle themselves and be trained in certain skills.

3. Art classes – For children who have the ability to craft and have the potential to progress in vocational training.

4. Occupational Therapy – Treatments to develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and work skills of the children with a physical, mental or developmental condition.

5. Cultural and Music Therapy – The use of music to cure, alleviate or stimulate. An overall recovery methods applied to help improve body movement and physical coordination.

6. Multi-sensory Therapy (Snoezelen) – A type of therapy for people with autism or developmental disabilities. It consists of placing the person in a soothing and stimulating environment, the “snoezelen room”. These rooms are specially designed to deliver stimuli to various senses, using lighting effects, colour, sounds, music, scents, etc. The combination of different materials on a wall may be explored using tactile senses, and the floor may be adjusted to stimulate the sense of balance.

Contributions in the form of funds, equipment, materials and volunteers are very much appreciated. In particular, experts in the various fields of care for the special children. Funds for daily expenses are covered by the Ministry, but the home requires funds for expansion or improvements in the home. They are also looking for funds to hold a convention in September where experts from Singapore on specialised equipment for disabled children are invited to provide training.

Cheques Made Payable to: Lembaga Pelawat Taman Sinar Harapan Tuanku Ampuan Najihah