Breaking the Barrier

A number of the volunteers had been asking me how to understand and interact with the residents better. So I thought of taking this opportunity before ACID to share my personal experience and perspective with you all, especially with new volunteers. Below are just my personal views and not representative of MINDS, MYG or the committee views.

Many of times, during our interaction with the residents, most of the volunteers(even experience volunteers) tend to adopt a more authoritative role. Many of times, we tend to treat them as “not normal” or “less abled” or “less fortunate” due to their cognitive behaviour. We become reserve and unable to open up to them. By doing this, you are actually creating an invisible barrier between yourself and the residents.

Although many of you may be lack of the experience, but you all make up for the passion and “heart” which I saw in many of you. I believe every one of you are capable to break that barrier. They are not abnormal but just special in their own ways. I also believe they can also contribute back to society and serve in their own special ways. Just treat them as normal, look at them in their eyes when you talk..Trust me, they can feel your sincerity. To me, they are just like normal children but just never get to grow up..hee..Great right? As also shared during ACID briefing, we are playing the roles of a parent, girlfriend/boyfriend and brother/sister. We take care of their safety and care for them yet encourage them to be independent and do things on their own when we need to do so. Sometimes we need to “sa nai” them when they throw tandrums or in mood swings:p. We also pamper and coax them as we do to our girlfriends/boyfriendsJ. Most importantly, get down to their level and open up to them..Irregardless your age, I believe, everyone has a child in you. Try release that child in you…Play along with them like brothers/sisters, step out of your comfort zone, and you may be in for a very pleasant surprise :)

As also mentioned during the debrief, many of times we are also over-shethering the residents. We are always protecting them from harm or afraid of exposing them out of their comfort zone. But remember, every baby will need to take that initial steps in their life. They may fall many times, even bruises, but we would still encourage them to continue trying. Actually for our residents, they are also the same. What they need is your support and encouragement. Given a proper setting and safe environment, I think we should always try to encourage the residents to try and break their own barrier as well..

During TH camp, we never expect so many of the residents to complete the abseiling. Other than on the receiving end, the residents can also enjoy the joy of giving and sharing gifts with the children in Children Wing on last year Christmas. On Vesak Day outing, we have also taken a small step towards creating public awareness by exposing and encouraging them to interact with the public.

Volunteer are our main source of public speakers. If we unable to convince ourselves and break that barrier, how can we help to raise public awareness and understand our residents or IDs in general, right?

Every building requires a foundation and every foundation start by a small brick. By taking a small step and break the barrier, you are helping to lay that “brick” and foundation towards building that public awareness and also that confidence in the residents :)

ACID camp is a great opportunity to break that barrier and taking that small step.

Take that small step, break the barrier, and you may be in for a very rewarding experience… :)

P.S: If there are any grammar or vocab mistakes, do forgive me hor :p

Cheerzz
Ken (posted by WC though haha)