Maureen tells My Jakarta about the highs and lows of doing volunteer work at a school for children with learning difficulties. (JG Photo)

Related articles

My Jakarta: Bang Kamaludin, Kerak Telor Vendor 10:57am May 25, 2012

My Jakarta: Astrid Wibowo, Candy Maker 10:10am May 26, 2012

My Jakarta: Aldwin and Willy, Tech Entrepreneurs 8:47am May 24, 2012

My Jakarta: Wibowo Basuki, Restaurant Owner 9:14am May 23, 2012

The Sunday Profile: Adnyani Dewi, Photographer and Full-Time Mom 1:20pm May 21, 2012

Maureen may not have a doctorate in behavioral sciences, but her passion for volunteering at Pelita Hati, a school for children with autism and learning difficulties in East Jakarta, is worth more than any diploma.  

Maureen, a 23-year-old University of Oregon business administration graduate, returned home to Jakarta from the States determined to contribute in some way.

Her time at Pelita Hati proved so rewarding that she is now returning to Oregon to do a master’s degree in special education and early intervention.

Here, Maureen, who has been volunteering at Pelita Hati twice a week for almost six months now, tells us about her experiences.

What made you want to volunteer here in Jakarta?

This isn’t my first time volunteering. Back when I was in Oregon, I also had a chance to work with children with developmental issues.

I’ve always loved children, but it wasn’t until last year that I started looking into special education.

I visited a center for children with autism back in Oregon and I felt this sudden urge to be actively involved.

After doing some more research on the subject, I realized that this is where my passion lies.

And when you came back from the States you jumped right into volunteering?

I wanted to see just how far Jakarta had extended its reach when it came to educating children with special needs.

It was very important for me to get some hands-on experience in this field, so I got involved right away.

This way I can contribute more to Jakarta in the future.

Has it been hard to get involved in something you’re so passionate about?

At first, I had difficulty finding a special needs school to take me on as a volunteer.

I think they were dubious because I don’t have any formal qualifications in psychology or special education yet.

I just don’t understand why we have to be so picky when someone comes offering to give of themselves to try and make other people’s lives a little better.

Luckily, Pelita Hati welcomed me.

I enjoy every second I spend with the children there.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

My proudest moment was when I successfully got this autistic boy to make eye-contact with me for a few seconds.

Even though it sounds like a small thing, it was a massive leap for him to do that.

I almost cried when it happened.

And how did you do that?

I practiced the reward method. To try to get his attention, I held a piggy bank [something he really likes] close to my eyes.

When the eye-contact finally happened I rewarded him by giving him the piggy bank.

Things like that don’t happen in one day. We must be patient and consistent.

We have to repeat the process over and over again every day for months, maybe even years.

What about failure? How do you deal with days where things just don’t go your way?

There’s another boy who has difficulties with reading.

He gets intimidated and cries.

I’ve been trying to find the right method to help him but haven’t been successful just yet. It breaks my heart because I don’t know what else to do.

Could you suggest a useful book on the subject?

I just finished ‘The Autism Sourcebook,’ by Karen Siff Exkorn and I think it really gives the reader a deep insight into the world of autism.

It talks about everything you need to know from diagnosis, treatments and early intervention. I found it really useful.

What’s early intervention?

Early intervention involves identifying the symptoms, diagnosing and providing therapies for children with special needs under 5 years old.

It’s important to recognize the signs early on and get proper treatment.

Children’s brains are in a massive developing phase enabling them to absorb massive amounts of information, so, if we can help them early enough, they will have a better chance of developing like other kids.

What kind of improvement do you think Jakarta needs to make in terms of improving special education for children with special needs?

The least the government could do is to hold more workshops and seminars.

Many parents don’t really know where to look for help and I think seminars and workshops would be a great place to start.

Also increasing awareness and getting the young people of the city interested in the field is important too.

We need the dynamic and brilliant young minds of Indonesia to step forward and serve as educators and teachers for these children.

How many people volunteer at Pelita? Do a lot of your friends volunteer?

I don’t know for sure. But I know that people in Indonesia have big hearts.

Sometimes it’s hard because money is always the first priority after all.

However, a friend of mine once told me, and I believe this totally, that if you do something you love, the money will simply follow.

Citra Graha Building 11th Floor, Suite 1102 | Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto Kav. 35-36 | Jakarta 12950 | Indonesia

Phone: +62 21 29957500 | Fax: +62 21 5200072 | BeritaSatu Media Holdings