Eze's reflection

Sunday, March 20, 2011 ♥ 10:39 PM

Overall, I believe that the whole YEP team performed excellently yesterday during the pre-YEP activity. Everyone was very initiative and took the time and effort to interact with the AWWA clients. I am very proud of everyone for such a job well done! It was obvious from everyone's countenance that we all had a wonderful time :) Great job!!!

Being in PCS for 3 years has given me a greater exposure to disability as compared to the rest but yet yesterday's experience was something different and new for me personally. I felt at ease interacting with the clients and was really touched to see all the clients actively participating in all the activities especially the "form the longest line". What really impacted me was the realization that the mundane routines such as using the toilet, eating and writing that we take for granted were difficult tasks for them. It really made me appreciative for the things I have in life and I have a greater admiration for their determination, patience and perseverance.

The training at AWWA was really very useful. To be honest, I felt at first that the training would be a waste of time but midway through the training, I was glad that I made the effort to attend the training. I believe that the training prepared all of us for our pre-YEP activity and YEP trip. After the training, I have gained a greater understanding on how to handle the clients and their wheelchairs correctly :)

With regards to inclusion, in my opinion, inclusion is important in every society. It isn't something very complicated and everyone has a part to play. If I were to put it in simple terms, inclusion simply means to accept a person for who he/she is, both their strengths and weaknesses and extending a helping hand to ensure that he/she has a sense of belonging. The inclusion programme that is going to be introduced in Cambodia might not affect the whole nation but it is like a pebble dropped into a lake that creates ripples across the water's surface and hence influencing change in the long run. We might not be able to see the immediate effect of our efforts while in Cambodia but I believe we would have made a difference in Cambodia.

I truly believe that we will have an EXCELLENT and FRUITFUL time in Cambodia :)

♥♥♥YEP Team♥♥♥