Making a difference, One GIFT at a time

The Story

Greetings to all compassionate individuals! We are Adam, Wen Qi and Kar Yan, who serve as the Malaysian Youth Volunteers (MYVs) for the GIFTED project led by AIESEC HWUM. This project aligns with SDG10 (Sustainable Development Goal 10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries), and aims to raise awareness and reduce negative stigma towards the disabled community

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 16% of the global population, equivalent to approximately 1.3 billion people, experience significant disabilities. In Malaysia, the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019 revealed that 4.7% of children aged 2-17 years old and 11.1% of adults face functional disabilities. Unfortunately,  stereotypes and stigmas stemming from a lack of understanding about the disabled community present considerable challenges for its members. Thus, it is crucial to foster a diverse society that ensures equal rights and opportunities for all, irrespective of abilities.

The two beneficiaries that will receive 100% of the proceeds from the funds raised are the Beautiful Gate Foundation and IQ70+. Beautiful Gate Foundation started out by promoting social services to care for people with physical disabilities and now they provide a variety of services to the disabled community such as general education, vocational training services, employment services, physiotherapy, welfare and care, etc. IQ70+ focuses on building a safe and open living space to care for children with intellectual disabilities that are not able to care for themselves due to the significant impairment of cognitive and intelligence functions.

We should come to realize that disabilities do not define a person's worth or potential. Instead, they serve as catalysts for resilience, creativity, and determination. By recognizing and embracing the unique abilities and strengths within individuals with disabilities, we break down barriers, foster inclusivity, and build a society that celebrates diversity. Let us unite in our efforts to create a society where every person, regardless of their abilities, can flourish and be recognized for their immense value. We must strive for universal accessibility, ensuring that everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute their talents to our collective progress.