Hui Wen Journal 1

Sunday, March 20, 2011 ♥ 10:43 PM

I think it was a really good beginning for us as a YEP team in view of the two activities that all of us have participated in! I really to know my own confidence group mates better and as well as the rest. But I'm sure that there is still more work to be done to foster a closer relationship among the team!

I felt that pre-trip activity was really awesome one! It was definitely not my first time interacting with people with disability but each time I felt that it was a fresh experience to me. And as each time I interact with them, I felt that I get more comfortable with them and tend to see them as a normal being like myself rather than focusing on their disability. It was good time yesterday as I got to ask some of them to tell me more about their hopes and dreams. From my conversations with them, I could tell some really have goals that they really wanted to achieve in life while others are still looking something to pin their hope in. However, from my interactions with them, I too sensed that perhaps because of their physical "lacking", they tend not to perceive that they could actually achieve the goals and dreams that they hold onto.

And I kind of like feel for them because the labels and the stigma this world has placed on them has somehow caused to feel that they have the right to pursue their dreams. Therefore, I felt that there is a real need to build up their self-esteem and confidence (well, not because I'm from the confidence team) so that they can really challenge themselves against the labels, stereotypes and stigma the world has imposed on them. So I'm really looking forward to see how I can contribute in helping the people with disability in Cambodia! Though language might be a barrier, I felt that the needs might still be universal (eg. facing stigma, independence issue)! So here I come, Cambodia~~!

♥♥♥YEP Team♥♥♥