Kuala Belait - A total of 108 special students of Pusat Bahagia Eric Goh, Kuala Belait entertained guests during a Hari Raya celebration at the centre for disabled persons in Kampong Pandan yesterday morning.

The guest of honour at the event was the Acting Director of the Community Development Department (JAPEM), Dyg Hjh Noridah bind Hj Abd Hamid. Also in attendance as special guest was GHK Motors General Manager Jake Goh Kiat Hing as representative of the Eric Goh Kiat Yong Trust Fund.

The centre offers three stages of training for students with special needs. The first stage of training is teaching students the most basic skills such as how to take care of themselves. This is followed by pre-vocational training such as woodwork and weaving. The last stage is industrial training to prepare and deliver them to the real world to seek normal jobs.

Upgrades have also been carried out at the centre in efforts to make the environment more accessible and user-friendly to the students, particularly the physically impaired.

The students looked forward to the annual Hari Raya event as they interacted with the public in the hope of gaining acceptance.

"This is the time where we show our empathy too," said the principal from the Community Development Department (JAPEM).

At the event, the special needs students received contributions from the Eric Goh Kiat Yong Trust fund, presented by Jake Gob.

The special students also presented a live song and dance performance for the Han Raya celebration.