Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam, Scholarship - The World Through Different Eyes

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The World Through Different Eyes

Friday, 01 December 2006

Scholars visit Pusat Bahagia and Pusat Ehsan to give a helping hand

Kids happily dancing with some of the Scholars

Sometimes human beings live life feeling very discontented or rather, unsatisfied. We tend to lament at times of how easier life would be if we could have more. But in truth, we all know that the world just does not work that way. Recently we, the scholars of the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), visited Pusat Bahagia and Pusat Ehsan for our community work project. These centres, located at Kampong Pulaie and Kampong Bengkurong respectively cater to people with disabilities and special needs. We chose to be attached to these institutions with the intention to do goodwill, and are fortunate enough in the end to have gained more in return. On our first day, we went to Pusat Bahagia. Most of us were excited to be able to experience spending the whole day with the special individuals. Upon our arrival, we were welcomed, and given a short briefing by the representatives from the centre and then were brought to the workshop and classrooms.

At first, a few of us were unsure of how to interact with them due to our lack of exposure, but with the help of their teachers, we were able to break the ice and mingled with them quickly. Most hit it off straight away with the more enthusiastic ones, and were soon chatting away like old friends. It was interesting as they explained to us how their daily routine goes. They let us look at their work, showed us how to use Braile, taught us sign language, played games and danced with us. All in all, they enjoyed our presence as much as we did theirs.

Mingling with the kids at Pusat Ehsan

The second day of our community week brought us to Pusat Ehsan. We were shown their handicraft workshop, where they make souvenirs which can be sold to the public, and also their hydroponics and orchid gardens. We were told that they try to be self-reliant and productive, and want to contribute as much to the society. Stepping into their classroom, the students eagerly showed us their assigned tasks. The tasks seemed mundane for us but they were nonetheless enthusiastic to show how good they were at screwing nuts and bolts, matching colours and counting coins. A few of us became attached to this particular girl who was new at the centre. She shared with us her love for food, cartoons and swimming.

During the last days of our community work, we got involved with their sports activities in preparation for the Special Olympics. We became light-hearted observing their keenness in wanting to participate in events. They may not come to par with an average athlete but their high spirit certainly conquers many. On our last day, we presented a small donation to Pusat Bahagia including a teddy bear for a particular little girl we were very fond of. The teachers have tried to open her up but to no avail. It was heartwarming that the breakthrough came after we had interacted with her. She now hugs and kisses everyone she sees. When we were about to leave, she sat down and cried quietly with the teddy in her arms. That’s when we realized how much an impact we had made in their lives in just a few days. Imagine if more could join in and chip in to lend them a hand.

Preparing for the Special Olympics

Throughout the week, we observed that the centres not only teach basic life skills, but they also equip those special individuals with practical skills. Those unique individuals have to learn the things we breeze through the hard way. As we went along from one special individual to another, we realized that each has their own aptitude and capacity, and for that reason most of them needs different attention and approach from their teachers. It is evident that those centres need a lot of help from the community for them to really flourish as part of the society.

There are a lot of lessons learned, and moments appreciated. Those special individuals have taught us to be grateful and content with what we have, especially us whom God has blessed with good mental and physique. This certainly reminded us as scholars of our obligations to do well in our studies and to realize the high potential expected from us. They have also inspired us to never give up, and always help each other out as a team. Within a short framework of time, we have learned to understand them more and let us become more appreciative our life.

We were glad to have lent them a hand, and were lucky to be able to get a glimpse of their lives. The outcome of the community work left us wanting to do more to help and connect with them. It is each person's obligation as a citizen to help those in need, and spread the awareness around. We are now eager to share our experiences with others and are grateful to the special individuals and their tutors for giving us a chance to become a better person.

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