ON 11 November 2017, we attended the 4th Graduation Ceremony of Kuching Methodist Care Centre with excitement and full of thanksgiving. Watching the performances of the day brought back many memories.
Four years ago when Koh You was three, he could only mumble to himself. He didn’t even know how to use his hands to show us things that he wanted. He didn’t follow our instructions nor have the ability to express himself. However he could make eye contact and read our expressions to know our response. He liked to play with his two elder sisters. He focused only on things that he was interested in. Otherwise he would pay absolutely no attention. Bringing him to church or to go shopping was thus a great headache.
Hence, we made an effort to study his case and looked up many doctors to evaluate his condition. His learning ability was far behind his age group. Later, the Child Development Centre of the hospital introduced us to Kuching Methodist Care Centre.
After learning about the teaching objectives of the Centre and their approach, we decided to enrol Koh You in this Centre for a systematic learning programme. The teachers also made an assessment of his ability and we began our learning programme together. We had to accompany him at first and we were taught how to assist him at home. This an-hour-a-week learning slowly helped him to identify members of the family, to name shapes and colours, to learn to take turns and wait. He could also obey and understand verbal and basic hand instructions and respond with simple words.
As we were learning together, we incorporated what we learnt at home so that Koh You could learn consistently. We also used educational games and programs to help him focus. We found that he was not only progressing but had improved a lot since then. He could even use words to communicate and to express his needs.
More Confident and Hopeful
After some time, Koh You could go to the Centre without us. He could obey the teachers and even help remind others to be obedient. His vocabulary increased gradually. He could ask questions; he could use correct words to describe and make comparison of numbers. He could go to the toilet on his own; he could flush *it after use and wash his hands. He could put things back in place and arrange things in order. He could also identify his friends’ names. At home we also used video clips to let him identify our kin and elders and how to address them. We taught him how to respect the elders of our family.
At the age of six, Koh You had shown great improvement, both in school and at home. He could voluntarily play with his mates and communicate in simple words with teachers and parents. At home he could help with simple chores.
Over the years, Kok You has continuously undertaken behavioural and speech management programs. He is able to go to a normal kindergarten now and is adapting well in school. He is able to interact well with others and with teachers.
We are so very grateful to the Centre for being so receptive to our child; to the diligent teachers and also those caring therapists who have attended to our child. You are helping our child to progress step by step. Although he still has attention problems, we know how to assist him and we are more confident and hopeful now. We are aware that he needs our loving encouragement and affirmation so that he will be more confident and grow in a holistic way. We are so thankful that we are able to enjoy going to church and shopping now.
In Christ we are family and I pray that God will continue to bless the Methodist Care Centre and the staff to be salt and light to many. Glory to God in the highest!