I just wanna say...... I AM ABSOLUTELY LOVING WAT I DO!!!! =D =D =D
Just a little update on Chapter Two.
The pre-school project, which is now unofficially called IPP - Inclusive Pre-School Project is already running and operating since August. We're starting small at the moment, only 6 children, and the best part is, inclusion is already in the picture! =) it’s great to see the children accepting one another, being patient, tolerating and yea, starting them young, instilling good values.
2 of the 6 have special needs.
I am just reflecting on the short 1 1/2 month, it’s..... it’s like a little dream come true. I mean, I had imagined or dreamt or thought of doing this, but never really thought it would happened. I mean, you know, it’s nice to dream, but sometimes you wonder if it would ever be realized, or can you ever make the dream a reality?
Anyway, I am just so blessed to be part of this project. And yea, the people that I am working with in this project. It really makes a whole lot of difference when people believe and willing to take the bold step of faith to try and change. I admire their boldness in facing the challenges that were coming their way and just their openness and willingness to learn and trying new things. Not many people would have this kind of courage, but yay, bravo to the principal and the teacher! =D
I am reflecting on what just happened over the two weeks....... =) It gives me so much encouragement, so much hope and yea, things are possible. Things are possible when people have the right principles and philosophies, things are possible when people are willing to try, things are possible when there is support, and things are possible when you start believing..... (sounding almost preachy, but it make sense and it works, doesn't it?) I see it happening before my very eyes.
1 of the 2 special needs have autism.
When I was working in an early intervention centre, I used to wonder how is it possible to include a young child with autism into a typical pre-school. I know how challenging that can be for the child, the children and the teacher, especially at that such young age. hehehe.... I remember lots of struggling (physically), lots of tantruming especially if the child is new, lots of persevering and yea... never give up!
Anyway, I knew it was gonna be challenging for the teachers to accept this boy with autism into the programme. Before I go on.... please do read up and do your own research on autism...... I wanna say, yes they can learn, yes they can talk, no not all of them are savant but i'm proud to say Malaysia have two fine autistic savant artist (go find out who), yes they do seem to be in their own world, but you'll be surprised to know actually they do know what is going on around them and yea, I find them very interesting. ;)
Back to the boy, I am just so impressed by his progress and how he had adapted and settled well into the programme. I am not saying that he got along well since the beginning, there were lots of tantruming, lots of restraining, lots of reinforcing of good behaviours, lots or observing and analysing, basically lots of hard work and sweat to make it work. And looking at the sweet results, it is worth every bit. I am just in awe.... Actually yea, I am just in awe that it took less than 3 weeks for him to settle into the programme and establish a routine.... Amazing, Praise God!
I am so loving what I am doing now! =D woohoo! Talk about making a change..... hehehe.....
I get to give input into the programme, I get to work with the children, I get to inspire and train the teacher, I get to advice and talk to the parents..... What a privilege! =D
So yea, are you willing to let the Potter mould you? A lump of clay, me, zero experience, zero skills when I started. Clay mashed, kneaded, stretched, moulding, me, trusting God that it was for my own good. Now a pot, me, ready to be used....... =)
I am reminded of breaking, at the moment not yet, but yea..... If the pot is no longer useful, it will be broken. I think a brand new pot should last a while..... 2-3 years can? When the time does come, allow the God to mould you again. =D
As for now, let me do what a pot does. Be useful! =D =D =D
