PETALING JAYA: In the annals of kid welfare, some folks shine brighter than others. Dr Neville Anthony Fernandez is one such individual, whose combat for the rights and welfare of Down syndrome children has made him a legend.
The septuagenarian, who’s now 78, is not only identified to youngster welfare activists but additionally to a grateful group that has benefitted from his tireless decades-long efforts.
Having devoted himself to the Down syndrome trigger, Fernandez sowed the seeds of compassion and care because the founding father of the Kiwanis Care Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Despite his immense sacrifices when it comes to time, vitality and monetary sources, his dedication stays a beacon of hope for these he serves.
Reflecting on his journey, he recounted that his mission to assist children with Down syndrome started throughout his service with the Armed Forces in Sibu, Sarawak, in 1981.
“Back then, I seen that loads of children with Down syndrome couldn’t attend faculty due to their bodily challenges. I felt unhappy to see them not noted.
“My solely fear on the time was that their exclusion would hinder their mental improvement and perpetuate dangerous societal stigmas surrounding them.”
Fernandez emphasised that like every youngster, these with Down syndrome deserve the chance to study, “and so, I resolved to assist them attain their fullest potential”.
His imaginative and prescient prolonged past particular person efforts and emphasised the significance of collective motion in enhancing the welfare of children with Down syndrome.
He joined Kiwanis International in 1985, and when the Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur determined to undertake a long-term challenge in 1986, he steered specializing in Down syndrome.
He led the challenge regardless of dealing with well being challenges and secured a constructing for the primary Down syndrome centre in Petaling Jaya in 1989.
The centre turned a basis the next 12 months and now operates six centres with 350 children.
From 1995 to 1997, Fernandez served as president of the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation and raised over RM2.5 million for it.
He was additionally appointed vice-president of the Asia-Pacific Regional Federation of Down Syndrome Associations in 1996.
For his years of laborious work and efforts, Fernandez acquired the MyHero 4.0 Award from the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“This award is a deeply significant one for me. I’m deeply touched because it reaffirms the worth of the work I devoted myself to.
“As I stood on stage to obtain my award, surrounded by applause and recognition, I couldn’t assist however mirror on the journey that led me to this second.”
However, amid the flurry of feelings, one sentiment stood out above all, gratitude to his son.
“My son’s perception in me, and his encouragement stored me going, particularly throughout powerful instances. My nomination jogged my memory of how a lot one can affect one other and the significance of household bonds.”
Today, Fernandez stays centered on advancing the welfare and care of children with Down syndrome and is grateful for the chance to serve them.
He additionally acknowledged the efforts of all of the employees and fogeys of Down syndrome children who got here collectively to assist him throughout attempting instances.
