Tell Me More

"What in the world?! @#%*&@**?:@!!*$", Was what came through my mind when I read the following three articles (also listed below in this blog) in The Star newspaper today. Sorry, for my undignified manner, I hardly or normally don't use crude language, but yea.... that's what I felt when I read the headline in the paper today.

I really don't know how to or what to, I'm trying to find the right word........ I really do feel that our country is still uneducated, uncivilized, untrained, uninformed, un-whatever about people with special needs, to have this kind of thing happening in our own backyard...... The shelter was tucked away behind a hospital right next the a golf course! Goodness sake! Why are these people kept in such undignified ways?! Aren't they human like you and me?

So why then are 30 men kept naked, some chained up, caged and covered in their feaces and urine? Why are there not even blankets to keep them warm on cold rainy nights? Why do the residents liked to hit themselves repeatedly? Why? You tell me why?.... I would like to know.......

If you have the answer, I would like to ask somemore..... Why is there claim of children in the shelter being fed with cough syrup so that they would be sleepy and docile? Why? Why is it that most of them are admitted into the centre because they were abandoned by their family members? Why? Why is it that they tried to apply to Government to provide with the necessary allocation but to no avail? Why? You have the answer?.... I would like to know..... Tell me why......

Its not about pointing fingers.... Its not about who is at wrong.... Its not about finding out who is at fault..... Its not about all those.....

I am really glad the newspaper carried about this investigation and to report this story boldly. I am sure tommorrow's paper will have some knee-jerk effect on this topic. People will express their outburst of fighting for human rights, calling the centre inhumane, wanting justice prevail and whatever not. ( I really do hope the newspaper article made some impact )

What I wanna say is.... Please let this not be a "one-time" get all emotional and fiery and passionate of the topic. Please be educated or at least be informed on special needs and see that they are human like you and me. Please ask yourself, what can you do or should I do anything about it.

Please..... Only when people care, things can change for better. Do you care?

A govt-run shelter for the disabled has, instead, become their jail

A govt-run shelter for the disabled has, instead, become their jail

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Ray of hope that turned out to be a nightmare

‘Ray of hope’ that turned out to be a nightmare

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Experts slam caregivers for chaining mental patients to their beds

Experts slam caregivers for chaining mental patients to their beds

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Chapter Two Begins

Its almost three years now, August to be exact. Today marks the day of a new chapter in this work / ministry. I am excited of what lies ahead! =D

So yea, I spent three years working with the children in the centre. Gained many experiences, the highs and the lows, the successes and the disappointments, the happiness and the heartbreaks. I was just reflecting on what are the things that i have learn through the three years. So I came up with these TOP FIVE. =D

To sum it all up in five point, is too little, but then again, its easier to write and read. =P

Point One : Good Sense of Humour, Love and Patience
Throughout the three years, whenever I tell people I teach children with special needs, the first thing that comes out of their mouth is "Oh... you must have lots of patience and love". Well, I must agree that those are essential, but I found out what kept me on was knowing how to laugh about it, at myself and the children. Can't tell you how many times I would have torn the hair out of my head, if not the humour that kept me sane. =) The children are just wonderful; if you know how to appreciate their own uniqueness and just them being a child. But then again, do have your love and patience ready. Give it all out unconditionally.

Point Two : Endurance
Oh boy! Talk about endurance.... seriously I can't believe I endured almost two years of public transport and travelling on it almost three hours per day. Its crazy!!! Anyway, I find it easier to endure when all things goes against me. Then I can stubbornly stand for what I believe in. =) Well, I don't mind if all things goes my way either... ; )

Talking about endurance, I would say it pays off when you reach the finnish line. I am glad to have made it and left a good testimony at the place of work. My colleague and I wrote a personlized card to each child's parent, just thanking and appreciating the privellege of working with their children. I knew I made my mark when one of the parent gave me a card and appreciated me for teaching her child. =) I'll show off the card if you wanna see it! =D

Point Three : Letting Go
There were countless of times that we were faced with disappointments and heartaches at work. I find what helped, was just letting go and try to keep up the good spirit. Even when you don't feel like it, just do it! Hold on to the things that are eternal, let go of the things that do not belong.

Over the years, I think I may have gotten immune to the sob stories shared by the people we served. Not that I've became insensitive to it, but it affects me in a different way now. Instead of crying along, I began to think of what can be done. How to help or if there is any way to help? Most of the time they are just looking for someone to give them hope. Well, it is not a bad thing if you know exactly where to point to find that HOPE.

Point Four : Chances of Potential Husband = Zero
My chances of meeting potential husband in the field? = ZERO! Being in here long enough, I know this work is dominated by ladies, at least in this country. So there goes my hope of finding the ONE in this field..... zero...... =P

Point Five : Needing God
In everything, you will always need God, especially in times when you feel like giving up. =)

Cheers!