Transformation Stories

Inclusive education is not just about changing systems or adjusting curriculums – it’s about people. At
the heart of it all are relationships: the trust between teacher and child, the support between
colleagues, and the shared commitment to see every child flourish. In our journey with Tadika Mekar
and Tadika Adiwira through the Preschool Inclusive Education (P.I.E), we see that real transformation
starts not in classrooms or policies, but in hearts.

Our days were packed–meetings, case reports, home visits and follow-ups. It was another ordinary morning in the year 2023 at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, supporting the doctors and colleagues in attending to people living with HIV/AIDS who had defaulted in adhering to their medication schedules. Somehow, we were brought to another ward.

When a child shows signs of developmental delays, the waiting period before getting formal help can feel endless. Through Malaysian CARE’s Early Intervention Support (EIS), Hassan* and wife was made more aware of their son, Adi’s* condition and developmental needs. But more than that, they were also able to learn how to support his growth at home while waiting for formal intervention.

My connection with Madam Mah began before the Movement Control Order (MCO) was implemented in 2020. One day, by chance, a colleague introduced her to me and handed over her case for me to follow up on. In the beginning, my interactions with Madam Mah were limited to delivering food provisions through collaboration with a charitable organisation. I knew very little about her.

Deek Penaniy means House of Knowledge in the Semai language. This community-based education centre in Ladang CARE aims to offer early childhood education to the Orang Asli (OA) community, fostering their interest in learning and improving basic literary skills.

The Parents’ Support Group is a space for parents to support one another. It provides a safe environment to share experiences, care for others, and take a breather from the demands of daily life.

A former client of Rumah Kepercayaan (RK) — a halfway home for women, Sarah’s story highlights the challenges of reintegration and the vital role RK played in offering her a fresh start. Through her candid reflections, she shares the struggles, growth and hope that shaped her path forward.

Friendship Club is a social club initiated by Malaysian CARE for young adults with special needs. With the guidance of CARE staff, they run this advocacy group to self-advocate, promote disability awareness, and host and join social events.

The journey to achieving one’s dreams is rarely straightforward, especially when faced with financial and personal challenges. For many young individuals from indigenous communities, the pursuit of higher education can feel like an uphill battle. Yet, with the right support, dreams can become reality.

This story is written by Yong, who recently spent his semester break volunteering at Malaysian CARE. At the time of volunteering, he was a second-year Law student at the University of Malaya.