Be A Volunteer

Volunteers' Stories

"A chance to practise my singing"
By Chia Keng Qui
Volunteer with AA(S)
October 2nd, 1999

I have been volunteering with the AA(S) since the beginning of 1999. Currently I am assisting with the Star Kid Programme on Saturday.

A few years back, I watched a documentary about autism. The deepest impression I got from the programme was seeing how parents brought up their child with autism. It was indeed a very difficult task.

Because of this, I was quite worried while assisting the first few lessons as I did not know what to expect. The only things I knew about autism were gained through watching that TV programme. Would I be able to help the children? What should I do if a child injures himself/herself like what was shown over TV? I had never been in contact with children with autism before, what would happen if I did something wrong which would affect the children?

Fortunately, the parents, caregivers, Mrs. Pang and my Star Kid partner, Mabel (who has since left for the US for further studies), were very helpful, especially Mrs. Pang. As a teacher, she has been very helpful, and I thank her for her encouragement and for sharing her experiences with us. I have learnt a lot, especially from my conversations with the parents. I admire the parents of these children with autism, for their patience, courage and the sacrifices they have made for their children. Their love for their children is unconditional.

Final point, the thing I enjoyed most about volunteering with AA(S)... mmm... is that I can finally sing out loud and nobody complains about my lousy singing! Thanks to everyone in the class for tolerating my terrible singing!

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