The world of Tzu Chi August 2020 (Vol.125)

2020 • 08 36 T eachers at the Tzu Chi International School Kuala Lumpur (TCISKL) assigned a “21-day challenge” to students in the hope of encouraging them to cultivate positive practices when staying home during the MCO. Thirteen-year- old Heah Junn, who is studying in Year 7, took on the challenge of preparing breakfast and taking care of her younger brother, who has Down syndrome. According to TCISKL teacher Wong Shiau Chong, the aim of the challenge was to encourage students to improve themselves by learning skills that they found themselves previously incapable of, as well as to boost their self-esteem. Heah Junn initially approached the challenge as she would any other school assignment, but she subsequently realized her obligation to her brother, that she was responsible for helping him as an older sister. Hence, she started to learn how to care for her brother, including feeding him daily and teaching him vocabulary and phonics by using flashcards. Heah Junn’s parents were pleased to witness their daughter’s growth. Her father, Heah Che Keng noted that although he and his wife had attempted to teach their son to speak, his speech has noticeably improved under his sister’s patient guidance. The siblings’ mother, Soo Keng Cheng was delighted by the change in her daughter’s attitude. Previously, Heah Junn would express her displeasure whenever she was asked to help with various tasks. Since committing to the challenge, she began to show initiative in performing household chores. Participating in the challenge enabled Heah Junn to experience the rigours of educating a child and reminded her of the virtue of respecting her parents and teachers. The challenge also taught her the true meaning of the adage “where there’s a will, there’s a way”. She had succeeded in venturing beyond her comfort zone and growing her patience with the challenge, besides fostering a closer bond with her brother. KL & Selangor 2020.05.18–06.08 Reported by Chin Sheau Yuan Photograph by Fu Wing Hoong Achieving Breakthrough with 21-day Challenge ocal News