SUNDAY VIBES
Negaraku, vention, such as around 5-6 years. Paediatrician and researcher Datuk Dr Amar-Singh HSS wrote a paper in 2013 which indicated that “between 15-20 per cent of all children have some disability or special needs.” This figure would be even higher if older kids and young adults are not included.
Prakash laments that they often get left out. “Actually that’s when they need a lot of help because parents don’t know what to do. They have a 17-18-year-old who doesn’t have a proper education due to various reasons. What happens next for them? There’s a big gap in that area.”
That jab of reality highlights the significance of Malaysia D’Camp as a platform for motivation and empowerment. These youths may have a chance to attend a faith-based camp with their family but they might be the only one there with special needs. Here, in this camp, they are the centrepieces.
During one of the earlier music and movement sessions, the campers were encouraged to be more involved. Prakash recounts a memorable moment of inclusion which began with someone coming forward to try beatboxing. “He started beatboxing and we were clapping our hands. Then another camper, Nicholas, who’s not very verbal, we managed to get him to sing Rasa Sayang. Then the whole group was in a circle, clapping and singing along! That was a hair-raising kind of moment! To me, that’s the beauty of it. You don’t get the opportunity to see that often.”
“I am strong when I am on your shoulders You raise me up to more than I can be.”
You Raise Me Up