NEWS www.apsn.org.sg June 2016 Issue
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MCI (P) 014/02/2016
Discussion with Mr Chan Heng Kee,
Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)
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APSN Flag Day
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APSN office bearers and staff with
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NCSS CEO, Mr Sim Gim Guan (NCSS CEO) and his staff
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Mr Chan Chee Keong (left) receiving a donation from the
Dennis Wee Group
Tanglin School students at
“Challenge & Empower Camp 2016”
Awards given to partners for
Outstanding Contribution to Delta Senior School
Editorial Commentary
DELIVERING QUALITY SPECIAL EDUCATION The Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN) has now existed for four decades. Its primary objective is the provision of special education to the mild intellectually disabled children, and latterly vocational training so as to enable them to find jobs in open employment. When APSN started its first school (Katong Special School) in the late 1970s, the founding members had the notion that Literacy, Numeracy and Skills of Living are the main prongs of the syllabus. By slow degrees, classroom teaching was based on these broad areas, and the first Principal we had was Ms Angela Khoo. She and others on the School Management Committee like Mr M.K. Wong, Dr Dixie Tan and Dr Francis C. Chen were able to acquire expertise from academics visiting Singapore and to source for materials from overseas. We sent a couple of our teachers to South Kensington School in Perth for attachment to learn teaching methodology for the intellectually disabled. From these early years we developed slowly. When Dr Francis C. Chen took over as the Chairman of the School Management Committee in the mid 1980s, he created the Curriculum Subcommittee, and invited Dr Lau Wai Har (former Director of the Institute of Education) to be the Chair. She took on this role for 10 years, and in this period of time was able to provide a solid basis for the APSN School curriculum. She had used a highly successful Brigance Programme (from the States) as a model. When Dr Lau retired from the Curriculum Subcommittee, the position was taken over by Dr Jessie Ee, an Associate Professor from NIE and co-chaired by Dr Francis C. Chen. Work progressed in consolidating the syllabus especially when we were able to recruit a part-time consultant in the person of Dr Ang Wai Hoong, a former Association for Persons with Special Needs Headquarters 900 New Upper Changi Road Singapore 467354 Tel: +65 6479 6252 Fax: +65 6479 6272
APSN Chaoyang School 18 Ang Mo Kio Ave 9 Singapore 569767 Tel: +65 6456 6922 Fax: +65 6456 2030
APSN Katong School 900 New Upper Changi Road Singapore 467354 Tel: +65 6445 8027 Fax: +65 6445 6313
Director of the Curriculum Institute. Dr Ang had tried to align our APSN syllabus with the MOE syllabus for mainstream schools. In this way our students are also exposed to teaching topics conducted in the mainstream schools. The next stage was when we recruited a full-time Curriculum Developer, Mr Vincent Yeo. Together with the new Chairman of Curriculum Development, Assoc Prof Levan Lim, we were able to produce two curriculum checklist manuals and a guide on the use of these manuals. These resources have been introduced in all the schools and are still in use. Each school now has at least one senior staff overseeing and developing the curriculum further, so in this way we are able to achieve a dynamic and relevant curriculum and content. Our funding agency, the Ministry of Education, has in recent years played a constructive role by overseeing our curriculum and introducing programmes which enhance the welfare of our students. Through courses and workshops run for teachers, the quality of special education is further enhanced. We can now proudly say, that our school curriculum and training are all geared towards the achievement of holistic development in our pupils, and to allow them to achieve their maximum potential. Our APSN is committed to continue providing quality special education for our clients..
APSN Tanglin School 143 Alexandra Road Singapore 159924 Tel: +65 6475 1511 Fax: +65 6472 0408
APSN Delta Senior School 3 Choa Chu Kang Grove Singapore 688237 Tel : +65 6276 3818 Fax : +65 6468 3608
APSN Centre for Adults 11 Jalan Ubi, Block 4 #01-31 Kembangan Chai Chee Community Hub Singapore 409074 Tel: +65 6346 2425 Fax: +65 6346 7518
Website: www.apsn.org.sg
Committees & Officials 2015 - 2016 Executive Committee President Mr Chan Chee Keong, PBM Emeritus President Dr Francis C. Chen, PBM, BBM Vice-Presidents Mr Winston Wong Dr Victor Tay Hon Secretary Mrs Ruby Cheah Hon Treasurer Mr Gwee Sze Chuan Hon Assistant Treasurer Mr Tan Cheen Chong Committee Members Ms Annabel Moore Ms Seet Chor Hoon Mr Royce Seah Mr Leonard Lim
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Ex-officio Mr Kenneth Tham
Schools Management Committee
CFA Management Committee
Editorial & Publicity Subcommittee
Chairman/Supervisor Mr Chan Chee Keong
Chairman Mr Winston Wong
Chairman Dr Francis C. Chen
Hon. Treasurer Mrs Ruby Cheah
Hon. Treasurer Mr Lee Chiang Huat
Secretary/Photographer Ms Ufairah Akram
Secretary Mdm Yazilah Bte Amir (P,CYS)
Staff Member Mr William Tng
Committee Members Dr Victor Tay Mr Winston Wong Mr Gwee Sze Chuan
Committee Members Mr Anthony Fok Mr Bill Bowman Ms Donna Canestra Mrs Janet Fong Mr Koh Kheng Wah Mr Kwok Yan Hoe Ms Annabel Claire Moore
Reporters Ms Nur Suhaidah Binte Yusup Ms Norlidah Shahrin Ms Leong Yun Har Ms Jayanthi d/o V Vathalingam Ms Nor Farhani Bte Mohd Hamzah Ms Deivanai Surendran Mr Jerome Anto Prakash Ms Zuliyah Bee Bte Lalkhan
Staff Members Mr Kenneth Tham (CEO,APSN) Mdm Aslinah Binte Ahmad (P,DSS) Mdm Lim Cheng Liew (P,KS) Mrs Liza Ow (P,TS) MOE Representative Ms Teo Siew Khim Mrs Tan Wai Lan
Ex-officio Mr Kenneth Tham
Reporter/Photographer Ms Karen Tan Mr Kelvin Yong Ex-officio Mr Kenneth Tham
Conrad Centennial Singapore’s
Mr Mark Meaney (L) and Mr Chan Chee Keong (R)
On 28 January 2016, Mr Mark Meaney, General Manager of Conrad Centennial Singapore, presented a cheque for $10,613.70 to Mr Chan Chee Keong, APSN President. This marked the completion of their “Adopt a Conrad Bear” fundraising campaign which took place from 30 November 2015 to 11 January 2016. In total over 440 pieces of Conrad signature plush bears, in 4 varying sizes, were made available for adoption by the public and all proceeds went to APSN. This event was all the more poignant as it was the last year that the iconic Conrad Bear Christmas Tree would make its public appearance at the hotel lobby. Subsequently all unsold bears were donated to APSN. This is not the first time that APSN has collaborated with Conrad Centennial. In 2014, Conrad Centennial invited a group of students from Tanglin School to tour the hotel facilities to learn more of the hospitality industry. In the following year, the hotel sponsored some funds and furniture in the refurbishment of the mock hotel suite in Tanglin School.
Hotmeal Project Donation from
Dennis Wee Group (GTA United)
Staff and volunteers from the Dennis Wee Group
On 16 March 2016, 29 volunteers from Dennis Wee Group (GTA United) gave us a helping hand in our APSN Flag Day 2016. The volunteers interacted and encouraged our beneficiaries and assisted them with their Flag Day tin collection. The volunteers managed to raise a total of $21,888 to support the APSN’s Training and Education fund. Thank you for your generous contributions. Staff and volunteers from the Dennis Wee Group
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DSS Partners’
Appreciation Lunch and Sharing (PALS) On 9 March 2016, Delta Senior School (DSS) hosted their Partners’ Appreciation Lunch and Sharing Session. Donors, sponsors and loyal partners of DSS came together on this day to enjoy a lunch treat prepared exclusively by DSS’ very own students. Mdm Aslinah opened by thanking and acknowledging their supportive partners who have worked closely with DSS for many years. During lunch, the crowd were entertained by numerous performances by DSS students and staff. The commencement of the session in the afternoon began with Mr Chan Chee Keong (APSN President) sharing the 40 years of APSN’s journey. Awards were also given out for outstanding contribution and high involvement from partners. Mr Venga, SG Enable Assistant Director of Employment Services, shared a very informative segment with the crowd on the facilities and services available at SGEnable and the Enabling Village. Keynote speaker, Mr Brenton Ong, Director of Human Resource of Concorde Hotel Singapore, was candid and inspiring in relating how his company had been partnering DSS in giving opportunities to students for work experience and placement. The day closed off with a lively panel discussion, which drew a lot of questions and interactions with the attendees.
Commencement of Sharing Session
RSAF Partners attending PALS event
Lunch entertainment by DSS staff and impromptu volunteers
Mr Chan Chee Keong (APSN President) with Mdm Aslinah (DSS Prinicipal), Mr Kenneth Tham (APSN CEO), Ms Seet Chor Hoon( APSN Board Member), Ms Molly Ang ( APSN HR Subcom Member, Dr Francis C. Chen (APSN Emeritus President) and Mr Kelvin Yong
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Flag Day 2016 APSN
On 16 March 2016, APSN held its annual Flag Day fundraising event island-wide in the hope to raise funds for APSN’s training and education as well as increasing awareness on APSN. This year’s Flag Day involved students from various schools, centers and organizations. Dennis Wee Group (GTA united), Geylang International Football Club, Balestier Khalsa Football Club and “Pause for A Cause” partnered us this year. APSN mobilized over 1000 volunteers from Compassvale Secondary School, Raffles Girls School, Singapore Polytechnic, Tanjong Katong Secondary School, Bedok View Secondary School, Ping Yi Secondary School, Tanjong Katong Girl’s School, Coral Secondary School, Dunman High School, East Spring Secondary School, Nan Chiau High School, APSN Delta Senior School, CHIJ St Nicholas Girl’s School, Bowen Secondary School and FIS institute. We managed to raise more than $200,000 and would like to thank the various Corporates and the Public for their generous donations.
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Mr Chan Chee Keong (APSN President), Mr Winston Wong (APSN Vice- President), Mr Kenneth Tham (APSN CEO), Mr William Tng (APSN CFA Centre Director), Mr Phillip Li (APSN CFA Head of Programme) with Mr Chan Heng Kee, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), Ms Fatimah Mustafa (Director, Disability Division, MSF) and Ms Ku Geok Boon (CEO, SG Enable).
On 18 February 2016, APSN hosted a meeting cum visit with Mr Chan Heng Kee, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), Ms Fatimah Mustafa (Director, Disability Division, MSF) and Ms Ku Geok Boon (CEO, SG Enable) at our new APSN CFA site located at the Kembangan-Chai Chee Community Hub. PS Chan was briefed on our existing programmes and services. Our wishlist was taken note of as we look forward to the next Enabling Plan in 2017. After the discussion on topics relating to the disability sector, we concluded the visit with a tour around CFA to introduce them to the various programmes and services that we offer to our clients.
Permanent Secretary (MSF)
visit to CFA
Our beneficiaries serving our guests
Taking a tour of the new CFA
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NCSS
ÀUVWYLVLWWR CFA new premise On 25 January 2016, APSN hosted a visit from NCSS at our CFA new premise located at Kembangan-Chai Chee Community Hub. Mr Sim Gim Guan, NCSS CEO arrived with his entourage to not only visit the newly revamped CFA but to engage us in a dialogue sharing session. APSN CEO gave an introduction of APSN and our 40 year-old history and achievements, our Organization structure, our staff, students CFA Clients population and our challenges. NCSS shared with us the various plans that they are spearheading to assist the VWOs under their care as part of capability building. NCSS also expressed their wish to work closely with APSN . The visit ended with the NCSS representatives having a tour of the grounds of CFA.
On the afternoon of 30 January 2016, Special Olympics Singapore was honoured to be invited to the Istana Tea Reception hosted by President Tony Tan. It was a special reception for the athletes and officials from the 2015 SO World Summer Games and the ASEAN Para Games (APG) to recognize the teams’ outstanding performance at the two recent Games.
Discussions with NCSS CEO and staff
Tour of the bakery and kitchen
Special Olympics Singapore
goes to the Istana
16 student athletes from APSN schools, namely Tanglin School and Delta Senior School, were part of the cohort at the Istana. Notably students from DSS such as Suhairi, Michelle, Shamira and Safik took part in both the World Summer Games and ASEA Para Games. Apart from enjoying good food and kinship with fellow athletes, some were lucky enough to have their pictures taken with the President and Mrs Mary Tan. Ms Karen Tan, APSN representative on Special Olympics Board, together with Exco members, athletes, coaches and officials.
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On 25 Feb 2016, APSN took part in the VIA (Values In Actions) Project Showcase at River Valley High School. This showcase was for the students of River Valley High School to have a deeper understanding and insight about APSN and the different participating Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs). More importantly, it also served as an excellent avenue for interested classes and students to explore possible collaboration and volunteering opportunities with APSN. Students came over to our booth to learn more about APSN and how they can help us as volunteers. This is one of the many platforms that we are using to spread awareness on APSN and our cause.
Ms Karen Tan, Community Partnerships Manager, talking to students on various partnerships and collaborations that can be done
Ms Ufairah Akram, Corp Comms Manager educating students more on APSN’s mission and vision
SingTel
Cheque Presentation Ceremony 2016 The students of APSN Chaoyang School and APSN Tanglin School are always assured an enjoyable time when they attend the SingTel Touching Lives Fund Cheque Presentation Ceremony. This was no exception at the recent event held on 23 March this year as the students were treated to a specially catered lunch as well as favourite snacks of ice cream and popcorn. They also watched a movie screening of the cartoon “Hotel Transylvania 2” held inside the SingTel auditorium. The cheque presentation was held after the movie and guests included sponsors and representatives from the social service agencies. During the ceremony, six beneficiary organisations were invited on stage to receive a mock cheque for the sum of S$3 million. President of APSN, Mr Chan Chee Keong and CEO Mr Kenneth Tham, represented APSN on stage to receive the cheque. The ceremony ended with a dance performance from Tanglin School which was met with rousing applause from the audience! APSN is thankful to SingTel for its continued support of its schools and programmes.
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Victoria Junior College Community
6HUYLFH )DLU On 17-19 Feb 2016, APSN took part in the community Ms Karen Tan, Community Partnerships Manager, giving pointers to students on the different ways on how to volunteer with APSN
service fair at VJC. The objective was for the JC1 cohort to engage with VWOs to find out about the needs of various community groups e.g. special needs, elderly, environment and for all participating VWOs to share volunteer opportunities with the students. Ms Karen Tan, Community Partnerships Manager gave a 30 minute talk on APSN and our cause. Our hope is to educate the younger generation the importance of giving back to the community and increasing the APSN awareness efforts. Students came over to our booth to learn more
MS Ufairah Akram, Corp Comms Manager managing the booth
on volunteerism opportunities and on the process of collaborating projects with APSN.
JC 1 students exploring the different VWOs during the exhibition
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Chinese New Year Lunch
‘Wefie’ of clients, volunteers and our assistant instructor.
at Grand Park City Hall
On 18 February 2016, 30 clients and 5 staff were invited by Lions International Stamp Club to join them for Chinese New Year lunch and celebration. Held at Grand Park City Hall, clients were greeted by
Clients attentively listening to the performance and singing along.
friendly volunteers upon arrival. The volunteers even prepared entertainment for our clients such as singing and dance, and interactive games to engage them. At the end of the programme, the clients were given goodie bags and ang baos. Settling down for lunch!
“Mystical Cookies”, is a range of products by our very own APSN bakery social enterprise. The pilot social enterprise is managed by Ms Ng Run Qian under Centre for Adults. APSN Bakery was set up to provide employment and on-job-training opportunities for persons with mild intellectual disabilities (IQ range between 50 -70). The clients engaged in the social enterprise often face employment challenges as they are limited by suitable job roles and co-workers’ perceptions as they may have the skills but are not ready for employment. APSN Bakery aims to: 1. Increase the job skills of our beneficiaries, through repetitions and emphasis, such that they are on par, if not better, than their future coworkers in the bakery industry. 2. Open up additional opportunities for beneficiaries who may be unable to work with general public. Some are assessed to be not suitable for work due to medical conditions or behavioural challenges.
Carefully adding the ingredients to go into each and every yummy cookies.
“Mystical Cookies”
The piloting of social enterprise motivated and attracted other clients in training to be in F&B industry. Those who are assessed to be suitable and interested in the Bakery industry, will undergo WSQ training so as to gain employment/ on-job-training opportunities in the bakery industry. Among the clients who have been through the Programme, one has sustained a part-time employment in the commercial bakery with the confidence gained from the training. Handmade with lots of effort and love.
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Last shot before we wrap up!
Last year, our Best Buddies participants provided positive feedback and mentioned that they could not get enough of the laser tag activity during the Best Buddies Outing; hence this year, on 12 March 2016, our Best Buddies participants from CFA and NUS were given opportunity to experience laser tag. Sponsored by Tag Team Inc., laser Tag is a team sport or recreational activity where players attempt to score points by shooting infrared-sensitive targets, typically with a hand-held infrared-emitting targeting device. This activity provides a platform for our beneficiaries to learn about team work and at the same time build the bond among each group. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the friendly facilitator which took us to a cosy room to settle down. Both our beneficiaries and volunteers were very pleased with the activity especially when the instruction given were easily comprehended by our beneficiaries!
Our alumni having fun with their buddies.
“I like this activity a lot! A lot more than any other activity!”
Laid back environment that made our alumni feels comfortable.
The briefing conducted by the facilitator were very engaging that it got everyone to smile and laugh!
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Principal and Vice-Principals receiving the CNY scrolls from the Lion Dance group
Chinese New Year (CNY) Celebration at DSS
Our students hosting lunch for the elderly residents from SASCO Senior Citizens Home
Students sampling ‘Lo hei’ in the Caramel Kitchen
The Numeracy department collaborated with various departments and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to organise the Chinese New Year celebration on 5 February 2016. The week before this event, students took part in pre-CNY activities held at the foyer during lunch breaks. RSAF also sponsored CNY goodies for our students and presented a 20 minute skit and quiz during the CNY concert. Other than the concert, students also went around various stations in the school to engage in hands-on experiences, such as Lo-hei, fan-making, quiz on zodiac and customs, and calligraphy. As part of the celebration, Character and Citizenship Education department
RSAF personnel putting up a skit entitled ‘Nian’
invited
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elderly
residents
from
Singapore
Amalgamated Services Co-operative Organisation (SASCO) Senior Citizens Home where student volunteers hosted them for lunch and accompanied them to enjoy the concert. Our guests also received “red packets” from our Principal and hampers prepared by our students and staff. This event was featured in the Straits Times, dated 11 February 2016.
Students participating eagerly at the ‘Race with Chopsticks’ station
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International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced that the 2016 Grand Prix series will feature 10 different track and field meetings in five continents between February and July 2016. This also includes an event in May that will act as the Paralympic Games athletics test in Brazil. Two of our very own Delta Senior School students made their way to the Paralympic Competitions. Suhairi Bin Suhani and Michelle Yogeswari recently went to Canberra, Australia on 5 to 7 February 2016 to join the ACT Athletics State Championship. Suhairi competed in the 400m run and long jump while Michelle competed in the 400m run. Both their achievements in the competition qualified them for the upcoming competition in Italy.
Michelle and Suhairi together with their Coach, Ms Tan Choor Hon
Project
“From Delta with Love” Delta Senior School (DSS) started its school year by spreading warmth and kindness to the community. Students, parents and staff brought grocery items to make a total of 80 hampers for the elderly residents living in the Teck Whye housing estate, SASCO Senior Citizens Home, Ren Ci Hospital (Bukit Batok) and NTUC SilverACE (Taman Jurong). This programme is part of the school’s service learning programme to empower students with special needs to contribute to society as confident and dignified individuals.
Students with the Guest-of-Honour, Mr Gan Kim Yong and Grassroots volunteers from Choa Chu Kang RC Zone 2
On 23 January 2016, DSS also collaborated with Choa Chu Kang Residents Committee Zone 2 and delivered the hampers to elderly residents living in the estate as part of the zone’s Chinese New Year Celebrations. Mr Gan Kim Yong, Grassroots Adviser in Choa Chu Kang, graced the event where students were also actively engaged in the lantern making session with the elderly. The ‘giving and serving’ spirit provides opportunities for the students to serve and contribute positively to the community.
Students making Chinese New Year decorations with the elderly residents from Choa Chu Kang RC Zone 2
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Staff Learning Staff of DSS presented a token of appreciation to Community Bridging Services Inc.’s Executive Director, Mr Freddie Brincat, and Manager Day Options & Executive Services, Ms Caroline Manetta.
Journey
to Adelaide, Australia
In December 2015, Mr Bryan Vega Saez (Manager for PSS), Ms Wanda Chan (Learning & Development Coordinator), Ms Kalaivani Arjunan (Employer Relations Officer), and Ms Siow Weiqi (Job Coach) joined the overseas learning journey organised by APSN’s Centre for Adults to visit organizations in Adelaide, Australia. Organizations visited include: Orana Inc., Minda Inc., Community Bridging Services Inc., and Finding Workable Solutions Inc. During this eventful journey, staff learnt more about the special needs field and the best practices on transition services for persons with disabilities in South Australia. “Two key things that resided in my mind throughout my learning journey were firstly, how warm Australian hospitality was, and secondly, how a socially inclusive culture came so naturally to them,” Ms Wanda shared. As part of the desired outcomes from the trip, staff have been working hard to apply their new-found knowledge and insights to DSS as part of the school’s efforts to become a community of excellence for person-centred transition.
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Interacting with employees with special needs at Orana Inc.’s factories.
Collaborative Efforts
Help Young Adults from APSN
Guests enjoying the lunch prepared by DSS’ F&B students
On 9 March, the Partners Appreciation Lunch and Sharing (PALS), an annual event organized by APSN Delta Senior School at its premises, was held to honour our partners – parents/caregivers, employers and community agencies - for their contributions to our students’ successes. The event, themed “Wings of Transformation”, underlined the importance of our partners’ support, effort and faith in empowering our students to metamorphose into dignified purpose-driven young adults.
President of APSN, Mr Chan Chee Keong, addressing the audience at the sharing session
To show their appreciation and gratitude, students showcased their skills and talents in preparing a sumptuous spread for guests (under the guidance of Singapore Junior Chefs Club’s culinary students) and putting up entertaining performances (including collaboration with percussion group, Rhythm Masala, under the auspices of the National Arts Council). They also sold products made during lessons, with proceeds going to the NTUC Silver Ace Activity Centre that serves senior citizens in the Jurong area.
Recipients of Outstanding Partner Award 2015 UÊ ,Ê" -Ê / UÊ " ", Ê"/ Ê- *", UÊ "6 * Ê ,/ Ê"/ Ê- /"- UÊ ", Ê 1 ,9 UÊ *
