I have just spent my long weekend at a learning and volunteering camp by Beautiful Gate's Be An Angel Campaign. Although it was only 3 days long, I have learnt so much throughout the camp. Activities and events were very well organised.
When I first arrived to register myself I was warmly greeted by everyone there, this has quickly put a big smile on my face and made me feel really welcome. I must say I was a bit nervous and was expecting the worst before that - not sure why I had that in my mind.
As the day started we were divided into groups. In my group, there were 2 OKU friends. Although I was really looking forward to meet them with an open heart I was holding back a lot at first as I wasn't sure what to say and what not to say. As I look back now, I felt really silly to even have that thought in my mind. Why are they different?
Throughout the day we have talks and video to increase our awareness towards OKU. Later in the evening, we had a few OKU friends on stage sharing their insider view like an open book of how it is like being in their position. This session really touches my heart. My tears couldn't stop flowing. Their sharing made me realise that the struggles in my life are actually quite minute.
On day 2, we had a lot of group activities in which it involves us going to the Shell petrol station next to Dunia Perabot, Sungai Besi to do a survey on their facilities for the disabled. We were tasked to do some interview too. Throughout the 10 mins walk to the petrol station, the road unevenness has made the journey difficult for a person in a wheelchair. The challenges doesn't stop there though. The facilities in Shell was not at all OKU friendly. On top of that, upon seeing a big group of us at the mini market in the petrol station (from the CCTV, I assume), the boss came out and chase us out. Why?
Other activities includes wheeling ourselves around the compound. This activity made a big impact on me. I thought a wheelchair is easy to handle but this is not the case when the pavement is uneven. As I wheeled myself around, my heart sank. I couldn't imagine the struggle and pain a person has go through. I meant for a physically fit person like me, my arm was already aching after a few minutes, my thoughts went to those that lost their mobility after an accident, not only they have to deal with the emotions they have to use all the strengths they have to wheel themselves around.
These are just snap shots of the valuable 3-day camp. There are just too many valuable things that one can take away so I highly recommend you to try it. There is no harm giving it a go =)
