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There is a saying by Jack Canfield “Don’t worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you can’t even try.” Basically, it means that if you are incapable or afraid to try something new, you are likely to miss out on many opportunities in life. I personally agree with this quote. Everything that we have done or achieved starts with a try. I don’t really know anything in the world that came into being without someone trying.

I would like to share with you a very personal experience. In 1995, when my son Jonathan was 5 years old, he was diagnosed with late-onset of autism. At that point in time, my wife Roselind and I didn’t know anything about autism and facilities for autists in Kuching were non-existence. Together with 2 other families, we formed the Sarawak Autistic Association in 1998 from practically nothing apart from our desire to provide facilities to help our children.

Together the 3 families pooled our money, time and resources. We hired our first teacher Miss Minah who used to be Jonathan’s kindergarten teacher. The three families used our own funds and send Miss Minah for training in Kuala Lumpur. We started our first class in one of the parent’s house with 3 students.

With such a humble beginning, the Association has grown by leaps and bounds in the past 32 years. The Association has changed its name to Kuching Autistic Association and today it has its own building to cater to those with autism. The Association now employs more than 30 staff and more than 100 autistic students are receiving various types of therapies. I visited the Association recently and would like to share some photographs to show how much progress has been made.

This building houses the office, art gallery and facilities for the Early Intervention Program (EIP)

The building was declared open by the then wife of the Chief Minister of Sarawak,Yang Amat Berhormat Datin Patinggi Dato Hajah Jamilah Haji Anu.

The art gallery houses arts and crafts made by autistic students.

These works of art by autistic students displayed in the gallery are for sale

These paintings by autistic students are for sale to raise funds for the Association.

The gym room.

The artwork by the autistic students is used are decorations.

We are differently-abled, please see our abilities.

The artworks by autistic students are prominently displayed in the building.

This building houses that vocational center which carter to the older students.

This walkway links the EIP building to the vocational center.

A small playground for autistic students.

The garden shed.

The plants in the garden shed are for sale.

The older autistic students grow different types of vegetables that are also for sale.

Another type of vegetable cultivated by the older students as part of their vocational training.

Life is full of opportunities, but the outcome is uncertain. It is possible that something good might come out of it, but it also could be nothing. When we try something new or gain a new experience then we broaden our knowledge, enhance our skills and open new doors to success. Achieving success does not just happen overnight; it requires sacrifice, perseverance and hard work.

So if you ever find yourself wondering whether you should proceed with an idea you had or something that you want to achieve, just remember this. Everyone needs to start somewhere and what you achieve at the beginning is the foundation for what you achieve in the future. In fact, this world is full of people regretting the missed opportunities that were once available to them, do not end up like one of them.

Instead, take a leap of faith and get started on your goals or dreams. You don't know what you can achieve unless you try.

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Charles

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