MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Social enterprise, Gold speaks to BusinessToday on their commitment to change perspectives and lives for many in the society

- POOVENRAJ KANAGARAJ

Social enterprise, GOLD (Generating Opportunities for Learning Disabilities) is a vocational training centre based in Bandar Sunway for secondary school graduates with special needs. Its core activities are producing baked goods, ceramics, cards, and handmade packaging for corporate or event gifts as well as ornaments.

Through providing a supportive setting for young people with special needs, the measuring, sorting, collating, labeling, mailing, and hand packaging among others, the social enterprise is able to generate an income from contractual services for local corporate entities, alongside philanthropic organizations’ financial support.

Founder, Hjh. Juairiah Hj. Johari told BusinessToday that it was the challenge of teaching special education that inspired her to start GOLD.

“I have mapped a transition program for young adults with learning difficulties to paid employment. My agenda has always been to change academia to one based on pre-vocational training instead of academic performance,” she says.

The non-governmental organization is committed to helping individuals diagnosed with learning disabilities to realize and nurture their full potential. “These individuals are unequipped with the same levels of physical and mental functionalities as others but with GOLD’s guidance and help, these very special young adults can become contributing members of society.”