Spread Your Wings - reaching out - KL Bird Park

What has disability got to do with youth when they 'collide'?

Now and again, I am fortunate to be able to have youth for company in my work with the disabled. Have to say, nothing untoward. Maybe the initial apprehensions but they die away so fast when warmth and caring take over.

The students of Sek Sri KDU took the disabled residents of Selangor Cheshire Home under their wings, on a lovely sunny morning at the KL Bird Park.

At about 10 am, 2 busloads descended on the volunteers who were waiting for our pals for the outing - 30 students and 24 disabled residents from the Home in Selayang, KL.

These are no ordinary kids - they belong to the Reaching Out Club of Sek Sri KDU. I have seen them with my own eyes how they engage effortlessly with the disabled - given the opportunities to do so - on several occasions, in the school fair, open day . They are truly our beacon of hope. Way to go, boys and girls!

Everyone was in expectant moods. In the KL Bird Park, one of the world's largest covered open park, our feathered friends are free to wander among us except for some.

I made a brief welcome and in eagerness, with tickets in hand, we proceeded to the interior.

You should have heard the ooohhs and aahhhs! Especially when some birds took flight, fluttering above our heads. The different calls of the birds elicited excited laughs and responses. The flamingoes, parrots, hornbills and cocakatoos thrilled everyone to bits. When does a peacock not take advantage of audiences to stun us with their shimmery feathers, fanlike? Will the sleepy owl be coaxed to open his eyes to all the noise around him? We tried!

The students were a cheerful lot - going out of their way to make a memorable outing for the residents. Wonderful moments were captured on the polaroid camera. The students offered to pay. For the residents, it's memories to last a life time!

At some parts of the walkway, the students had difficulties manoevering the wheelchairs on the steeper slopes. Caution had to be exercised. Tho tiring, they did their level best.

Before long , the sun was beating down and it was time to leave the confines of the Bird Park. Under the spready, shady trees, the teachers who had accompanied the students had helped get ready lunch. Drinks were downed to quench the thirst. Well, singing was to the strum of the guitar. Now it was the turn for the birds to listen!





The day ended on an equally high note. Goodbyes were said and addresses taken. Us volunteers were more than ready to take a back seat to watch these youths at work. Caring, diligent, sensitive,and oh, with hearts open wide. Brothers and sisters, all.

Little goodie bags with souvenirs - all money raised from the Reaching Out Club projects - just for their newly- made friends whom they know have equal rights to a place in our community.

I wrote a nice note of thanks to the principal, Ms Chan to congratulate her students' community spiritedness. We can safely say there are proud parents too. Good work, boys and girls! Keep it UP!