Best Buddies bond with kids

2009/10/02

KITE flying can be a magical experience, especially when you share it with someone who is able to appreciate the beauty of wings taking flight.

This was the case for UCSI University’s Best Buddies as they recently paired up with persons with learning disabilities from Dignity & Services (D&S) to go kite flying. D&S is an advocacy movement on behalf of people with learning disabilities. After a short demonstration on how to fly kites at Kepong Metropolitan Park, each Best Buddy member was paired with a child from D&S. The children’s faces lit up with joy as their kites took off into the blue skies. They tugged and ran and pulled the kites along under the guidance of their young coaches. It’s been more than a year since the university started the Malaysian chapter for Best Buddies. Currently, three UCSI University students have officially paired up with their buddies, while more are in the works.

One of them is College Buddy Gan Hui Chian, who also maintains the Best Buddies Malaysia website. Her buddy is Teoh Hooi Ting. Gan says meeting and making new friends was one of her goals when she entered the university, but she never expected to be part of the Best Buddies group and find a true friend along the way. “I wanted to do something that would make a difference in my life and also make an impact on others. So, when I was matched with Hooi Ting, I was really happy. “She has been a confidante who is easy to talk to and be friends with,” says Gan. The two keep in touch via text messaging and emails. Once in a while, they will go on an outing. “I hope to discover more about her, as well as about myself, as our friendship deepens.” UCSI University’s Best Buddies Malaysia director Teo Hui Ru says that the programme has transformed her into a more responsible person. “As the director, I have learnt to delegate and work with my team members. I have developed a close friendship with them.” A few months ago, Teo was paired up with Charmaine Chan, who has learning disabilities. “Although Charmaine has Down’s Syndrome, her dedication and determination to enrich her life is amazing. She has been a powerful motivator due to her cheerful character,” says Teo. Muhammad Omer Niaz, a final-year Psychology student, has been part of the Best Buddies Malaysia since last year. He is part of the organising team to educate the public on the Best Buddies cause. His buddy is Ho Wai Keen. “Wai Keen likes to joke, hang out and watch movies. He also plays the violin and is also a disciplined person, being able to manage his time well.” Ho was part of a recent event organised by the university students called BB Got Talent, where people with learning disabilities were able to showcase their talents. Best Buddies is a non-profit organisation from the United States. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is dedicated to the enhancement of the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships as well as integrated employment. For details, visit http://bestbuddiesucsi.blogspot.com/

Best Buddies with D&S participants.