It's harder for parents to find the right school if their child has a learning disability.
I was at my daughter’s school awards ceremony recently. It is the home-schooling centre’s annual event to celebrate and reward the students for their achievements. It was a rather simple yet meaningful event.
There were a few activities lined up, from group singing to a sketch to a few solo performances. The children had put in a lot of effort and though the end result was not 6-star quality, the audience clapped with “7th degree” happiness!
Most of the students have some level of learning disability, from Down Syndrome to dyslexia to ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Some also have non-learning weaknesses, such as behavioural issues. All of them would not have coped with the normal school environment, and at this home-schooling centre, they are given a chance to learn and excel.
The biggest advantage is that each child learns at his own pace. Each child is given the right guidance and motivation to achieve his potential. Besides academic success, each child is also groomed to be a “complete person.” In addition, all efforts are recognised and every little achievement is rewarded.
My daughter has certainly benefited from this system. If she had continued in a regular school, she would not have come this far. We tried the normal school system, having been to a government school and later, a private school. She is a slow learner and I thought that being a “borderline case,” she would be able to fit into the education system.
How wrong was I! And, worst of all is the pain I went through when I was told, point blank, that she would lower the standard of the future UPSR (Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah) results! The headmistress (of the government school) had written her off from the second month of Year 1.
I wanted to scream and possibly abuse her. On reflection, it was probably a blessing in disguise. That incident led me to try the private schools. I did find one that was accommodating, but it was clear that after two months, she couldn’t cope with the schoolwork. And, neither could I, since I had to help her complete what she couldn’t finish in class, and there was also her homework!
At that point in time, I was at my lowest and I might have started to spiral down the depression lane. I believe God was watching as just then, I found help in the form of a parent whose twin boys were at a home-schooling centre.
Home-schooling was very new then and I wasn’t sure if I should remove my girl from the regular school system. All my apprehensions disappeared when my friend asked, “What if she failed in most of her exams? What would that do to her self-esteem?”
I knew exactly what needed to be done. Immediately I called up the home-schooling centre which was recommended. My husband and I went to check it out and we were relieved that they were able to help my daughter. Finally, my girl was able to attend classes in a school that accepted her as she was and is.
She has been there ever since and she is making slow but steady progress. In the past awards ceremonies, she has picked up a few trophies, for being the “Most Progressive” in her Bahasa Malaysia class, “Most Helpful Student” and “Student Showing the Most Initiative.” How proud is this Mama!
The centre has also grown with its students. It has introduced many activities and extra programmes to further enhance the students’ capabilities. Last year, it started the Living Skills Programme, where students learn to prepare simple meals and handle money.
Perhaps next year, my girl will bring home the “Best Amateur Chef” Award! It really doesn’t matter as long as she enjoys her classes, she gets the opportunity to bloom at her pace and, most importantly, she is her accepted and loved at school.
Anna Wong, mother to a 16-year-old special girl, founded Glen Stream (www.senses-at-play.com) in 2005 to assist other parents on this challenging journey. Her company offers related products and services.
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